Problem
For the first time, there are five generations in the workplace, which can make managing performance quite a challenge. When training various management groups as a consultant, one of the most asked questions was "How do I [train, coach, develop, provide feedback, discipline, motivate, etc.] millennials? My first reaction was to always remind my audience that not all millennials are created equally and it is unfair to assume all members of a generational cohort are similarly motivated and behave in the same way, whether millennial or baby boomer. But, there certainly is some value in studying the various generational cohorts and their influences to better understand why differences may exist between generations and how we can manage all employees most effectively.
In the Forbes article "How to Give Four Generations Feedback," the author explores four of the five generational cohorts (excluding the newest "Generation Z" cohort) and provides recommendations on how to best provide feedback based on an individual's interests/values. After completing the weekly readings and reviewing the Forbes article, answer the following questions:
i. Given your experience managing various employees from different generational cohorts or, if you do not have managerial experience, your preferred method of receiving feedback from your manager, do you agree with the author's assessment of each generation? Why or why not?
ii. Review an essay published by the Pew Research Center on our newest generation - What We Know About Gen Z So Far. Given this information, what would you anticipate would be effective in the way of providing performance feedback to members of this generation? Is this approach different or similar to the feedback preferences of the millennials?