Greg Rose, MD, PhD, President and CEO of teleradiology partner Rays, spoke to the 6th Annual Becker's Hospital Review Meeting about why it is important to understand, and even care, about what other generations think. Everyone in a healthcare organization will be working with different generations so there are many different reasons why it is a good idea to know what makes them tick, or at least some things about their worldview.
For starters, Dr. Rose gave a few reasons why to care what other generations think:
1. It will help you get what you want from them.
2. You'll feel better about giving them what they want.
3. You won't be stressed out at the fact other generations do not like you.
4. To attract new people to your organization who don't want to be you, but that want your attributes.
5. To optimize their skills and improve relations with others of their generation you serve.
And while some people have decided they do not want to get along with those in a different generation, there are those that are willing to learn, said Dr. Rose.
To understand the six living generations alive today, Dr. Rose broke them down into the following categories:
- GI generation, born 1900-1920, age 90-114
- Traditionalist, 1924-1946,age 68-90
- Baby Boomer, 1946-1964, age 50-68
- Generation X, 1964-1982, age 31-50
- Generation Y, 1982-2000, age 14-32
- Generation Z, 2000-2014, age 0-14
Traditionalists are still in the workplace now and still have idea of allegiance and loyalty. They are also practical, patient, and put duty over pleasure.
Baby Boomers like to think big picture, bring a fresh prospective, want promotion recognition and dislike conflict while putting an emphasis on health and wellness.
Generation X is largely informal, self-reliant, generally have a positive attitude and like to work from home as opposed to the office. They generally hate micromanagement and like to ask questions.
Generation Y is hopeful, social, generally like trusted authority, want to be confident and will have many careers and jobs simultaneously. They are done with work at 5 p.m. but are plugged in 24/7.
When connecting with younger generations, Dr. Rose suggests not to start with, "When I was your age," as this is not a bonding statement and already causes a divide. Dr. Rose advises caring about what the other generation cares about to connect and to respect them as much as you want them to respect you. "Ask what they think; its a statement of respect and confidence."
Once you establish trust with Generation Y, show you care about them and want to help them, they will tend to open up and value leadership more as well as take more harsh criticisms on their work.
Dr. Rose also gave a few sample questions to ask other generations, to help you connect with them farther, such as:
1. Why do you work?
2. What is a worth ethic?
3. What is your biggest frustration with the younger and older generations?
4. What is the best element your generation brings to the company?
5. What makes you valuable?