Pub. 3 2013 Issue 1

ARIZONA BANKER ~ January/February 2013 21 And consider another reality. People who are working are people who control discretionary spending. If you want to market to someone who is older, it certainly helps to have someone older advising you. But it isn’t just about the extremes between your oldest and youngest employees. You’ve got two generations in between, and each one has its own concerns and needs. Your business plan has to take into account all the existing diversity within the workplace. For all four of those generations, you need to figure out how to implement policies that are designed to emphasize each generation’s strong points and help everyone work together. Here are some specific tips to do just that: • You can probably communicate most effectively with the World War II generation if you talk to them face-to-face. Respect what they have to offer, and see whether you can get them to mentor younger employees. • Baby boomers value flexibility, team work, and the power of service. Don’t be dictatorial with them, but do be per- sonal. Many of them have challenging personal situations as they care both for parents and children, so they need a flexible work environment. They want to be involved and to make a difference. Take a personal interest in them. • People from generation X value freedom and flexibility. They are often independent, with no tolerance for double standards or micromanaging. They are oriented toward get- ting results, and want competent, genuine managers. They appreciate support in career growth and opportunities, straightforward communication, and a non-bureaucratic workplace. • The millenial generation often understands technology and finance. They text… a lot. They are inexperienced, though, especially when it comes to office psychology and politics, so they need mentoring from the World War II or baby boom generations. They also need supervision and struc- ture, but they value organized and consistent managers who treat them with respect and without condescension. They want to be treated as the valuable resource they are. Learn how to manage all four generations more effective- ly, and you will see improved profitability throughout your business. Z For more information, contact Susan Morgan at l 855.747.4003 or www.thenewslinkgroup.com.