| We all know that our workforces are changing. | | | | constant. For training, Gen Xers can use a |
| But we do have the ability to reach out to all | | | | combination of online and classroom learning, as |
| generations with our training and development. | | | | well as self-directed learning. Since they look for |
| The Baby Boomers are not accepting retirement, | | | | career satisfaction, tie their learning to a |
| Generation X is in full swing, and Generation Y is | | | | well-defined career path. And don't forget to |
| just entering the workforce. Before we talk about | | | | provide feedback on their performance. |
| how to effectively train each group, let's | | | | Generation Y was born with technology - most |
| determine who's who. Baby Boomers were | | | | members of this generation don't remember what |
| generally born between 1946 and 1965 - in many | | | | it was like to make phone calls on a land line at all |
| organizations they are the executives. But many | | | | times. But, Gen Yers are group-oriented, even |
| Boomers may have taken early retirement and | | | | socially. They are able to multitask but expect |
| want to reenter the workforce. Generation X | | | | you to provide a structure and the resources to |
| comprises the group that was born between | | | | get the job done. This group expects respect for |
| 1966 and 1982 - they are now creeping into the | | | | opinions and knowledge, but will give it freely in |
| senior and executive levels in some organizations, | | | | the right circumstances. When you train this |
| but as we'll discuss, Gen Xers are not the ones | | | | group, anything technical is a plus, since this |
| who stay in one place for life. Finally, Generation | | | | generation is the most highly technically proficient. |
| Y's members were born from 1983 and going | | | | Consider online training as a good way to reach |
| forward. What are their learning styles, and more | | | | Generation Y. But since they are group oriented |
| importantly, how can you reach these three | | | | and collaborative, this generation can come into |
| major groups? | | | | the classroom and will react well to team |
| The Baby Boomers have been shackled to their | | | | exercises and more than one assignment at a |
| desks for many years - the common worry | | | | time - as long as the structure is there. Discussion |
| among them is that the company may drop of | | | | is also big for this group provided that individuals' |
| the face of the earth if they are not around. This | | | | contributions are acknowledged. |
| group has had to learn and unlearn many things | | | | Obviously the perfect training world would be the |
| over the years, but they never stop learning. | | | | one where each generation is in its own learning |
| Boomers are networkers and transformers who | | | | environment. Since that will never happen, we |
| are adept at taking in new technology and using it | | | | have to approach training in a way that will |
| effectively. In the classroom, Boomers will be | | | | accommodate all generations without alienating |
| attracted to group activities where they can | | | | them. In general terms, a mixed training approach |
| practice networking. But don't stray away from | | | | will work. For example, approach online learning as |
| using technology in the classroom because of the | | | | a supplement or addition to a classroom piece. |
| presence of the Boomers - with a little direction, | | | | Short, self-directed content can be solely online - |
| they will be able to apply technology just as their | | | | as long as there is a live resource to go to if |
| children (and grandchildren) do. | | | | learners have a problem. All three of these |
| Generation X, in direct opposition to the Boomers, | | | | generations will enjoy being in a room together to |
| does not want to stay at a company for a | | | | learn - and your organization can benefit from the |
| lifetime. Gen Xer's careers are fluid - they are | | | | cross-generational collaboration. |
| motivated by their own satisfaction with the job | | | | Since our training worlds are far from perfect, |
| and have no problem leaving if they don't find | | | | mix your development across media and always |
| that satisfaction. Generation X loves technology | | | | keep in mind that the workforce is now |
| and wants to learn new things while expanding in | | | | comprised of different generations. When you |
| their current positions. Members of this generation | | | | move forward with this mindset, you'll be able to |
| like to practice what they've learned in a friendly | | | | effectively reach and train Baby Boomers, |
| work environment - where feedback is a | | | | Generation X, and Generation Y. |