For the first time in history, four generations of workers – the Traditionalist, the Boomer, Generation X and Millennial (Formerly Generation Y) have graced the workforce. When different generations come together, they present very unique challenges for the leader whose job is to bring everyone’s talents, energies and passions together behind a common purpose.

By 2020, Millennials will make up more than 40 percent of the work force. They will require a different type of leadership than Baby Boomers and Generation X employees. Most notably, they seek to secure positions of influence earlier. Also, they hold training as one of their highest priorities. Millennials are extremely savvy in technical skills, but often lack skills in the areas of office diplomacy, communication, listening, patience and relationship building (Lykins & Pace, 2013).

For leaders, generational differences will have impacts on recruiting, team building, managing change and handling conflict. Traditionalist employees may not like lots of communication by e-mail, while Millennial workers will not stay in an organization when they believe opportunities for professional growth and promotion are better elsewhere.  Boomers will be motivated by feeling like a valued member of the team, while Generation X  wants autonomy – a chance to do things their own way (Hammill, 2005).

In the above organization, a situational leadership approach works because it emphasizes leadership that is highly versatile and dynamic – sometimes directive and at other times supportive – with the leader matching their style with the identified needs of their people.  The leader is an enabler to task achievement by providing additional training, improved technologies, coaching, mentorship and whatever support is needed to allow  employees to continue to meet and exceed goals (Northouse, 2013).

References:

Hammill, G. (2005). Mixing and Managing Four Generations of Employees. FDU Magazine. Spring/Summer 2005. Last accessed: 5 July 13 at: http://www.fdu.edu/newspubs/magazine/05ws/generations.htm

Lykins, L., & Pace, A. (2013). MASTERING millennial LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT. T+D, 67(5), 42.

Northouse, P.G. (2013). Leadership Theory and Practice. Thousand Oaks, CA, Sage.