'Generation Gap in the Workplace Tests Business' Says Leadership Expert

Feb. 14, 2010 - PRLog -- Managing a workforce has never been tougher thanks to a double generation gap that continues to test business owners and leaders, according to Cheshire-based leadership expert Ruth Sanderson.

Research has identified three distinct groups within the workplace, each of whom display marked differences in ambition, enterprise and job satisfaction added Ruth, Managing Director of business consultancy blue pea POD.

And the best business leaders will have identified and fully understood the different groups within their charge in order to manage them most effectively and appropriately.

“A good leader will know and understand the make-up his or her workforce and will lead accordingly,” said Ruth, speaking from her Chester HQ. “The groups have been identified as Generation X, Generation Y and the Baby- boomers and their outlook on work and their expectations couldn’t be more different.

“Baby-boomers, born between 1946 and 1963 tend to have a more traditional view of work. They are more likely to look at a job as a long term commitment with job satisfaction coming at the end of their career. Generation X, who were born between 1964 and 1980 are less likely to expect rapid promotion and will prove they can do a job before being rewarded for it.

“However, Generation Y, born between 1980 and 1995 are ambitious, expect to progress quickly in their careers and are more interested in job fulfilment, if it doesn’t they’re off.  Having a job with meaning may well be critical to this group.

“An understanding of the different attitudes and ambitions in the workplace is essential to good leadership and getting the best results from the workforce.”

“The more aware Business owners and leaders are of their workforces expectations the easier they’ll find staff motivation and engagement. If you have the 3 generations in your company a one-size-fits-all approach will not work.

For further information click onto: www.bluepeapod.com  or call 0845 123 1280.