When Generations Collide

Fogg, P. (2008). When generations collide. Chronicle of Higher Education, 54, 18-20. Retrieved from: http://chronicle.com. (Generational Issuesin Global Education. McGraw-Hill Create p. 43).

Fogg (2008) begins by explaining the problems Generation X and Y and baby boomers face in the workplace because their upbringing has been completely different and their view for the future is therefore different.  The author mentions that good communication is key to better understand one another.  I agree, but communication has been a problem since the beginning of time.  We strive for good communication, but it is hard as some people do not want to offend or step on toes, and others are at the complete opposite of the spectrum and say whatever they are feeling at any given time.  Basically, we need to find the happy medium and that is what many companies are striving for.  However, it is hard to find a happy medium when people are not willing to change their communication ways.  Pamela Cox-Otto (Fogg, 2008) explains that colleges need to have more emphasis on flexibility, technology, diversity, and work-life balance. I agree with this concept as do many others and this is why online schools and programs are making such progress right now.  People have a desire to be educated, just at their time and pace.

Each generation has “generalizations” that are fairly true due to tried and true evaluations.  Traditionalists generally feel they are hard working with strict moral codes.  Baby boomers feel loyal to their institutions and working overtime is a “given”.  GenXers want more autonomy and care more about a balance between home and work life.   They seek their own interests before work interests (Fogg, 2008). This concept almost seems selfish to me, but maybe since I'm on the edge of this category, I understand why they feel and act this way.  They don't want to live like their parents did paycheck to paycheck-scrimping and saving.  They want to enjoy life, basically a work to live/play mentality. Finally, Generation Y (Millennials) individuals are known to be optimistic, fun seeking, flexible, and even coddled the most growing up (Fogg, 2008). Now this really is my generation;  I have seen many of my former classmates struggle because they were so coddled growing up.  I have also seen some succeed due to their flexibility and optimistic attitude.

Patrick Cataldo (Fogg, 2008) explains the importance of knowing SOME of the generalizations between each generation.  Just by understanding some of these ideas may cut down on workplace confrontations due to misunderstandings between generations.  I completely agree with this idea. In fact, it would be very beneficial for new teachers entering the work-force to take training on the generations. It could take place of one of those nonsense trainings one sits in for 4 hours after working a full day with papers to grade and lessons to plan. This training would actually benefit one and give some insight that would allow for an open mind in many schools.

Many examples are given on how to incorporate each generation with one another.  It might be time for the younger generation to see what real work is and the other generation to see how to take time off (that’s what we’re good at).