We thought it would be interesting to explore the characteristics of the 5 generations currently in the workforce today. A couple of weeks ago, we dug into this topic tangentially, and, as we do at Future Image Group, we thought we’d identify them and tease out the nuances of each generation. Sociologically, Traditionalists, Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z each had completely different experiences reaching adulthood and entering their professional lives. Understanding these different world experiences and views just might provide some clarity and empathy when interacting with each demographic. So, let’s begin with our most senior contributors in the workforce: Traditionalists…
According to The REMIX by Lindsay Pollack, “Traditionalists were born between 1928 and 1945, and there were roughly 47 million births and hold commonly cited characteristics including: loyalty, cautiousness, formality, and pride.”
“Most (but certainly not all) Traditionalists are now retired, but their influence can still be felt in workplace structures all around us. Think top down hierarchy with clear reporting structures, the ‘uniform’ of a suit and tie, and the expectation of loyalty serving one company for life. [They are] children of the Great Depression resulting in frugality and caution. Hierarchy and rule-following are common in this generation, and 50% of all men shared the experience of serving in the military (compared to less than 1% of our population today). Women and minorities did not have the same access to education or professional opportunities as men, and women often did not work outside the home. Traditionalists who have remained in or returned to the workplace want to be respected for their experience and knowledge and not discounted because of their age.”
This brief overview explains - what we might consider today - an ‘old fashioned’ view of the world this generation holds.
Respect, experience and knowledge are not old fashioned in any way.
While it might be difficult to understand or relate to the environment Traditionalists lived in (as it is VERY different from the one we live in today), it is not difficult, at all, to appreciate, learn from, talk to, and potentially incorporate some of the wisdom and experiences Traditionalists can share.
My Dad served as a medic and surgical assistant at Plattsburgh, NewYork Air Force Base from 1959 to 1962. He is in his 80’s. He’s a stoic, principled man whose reputation among his peers as an honorable human being is paramount. He embodies the phrase: “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all,” which oftentimes led him to be silent; he has opinions, perspectives and beliefs, I’m learning, which are not always positive but rather than opining, he stays silent. I’m not suggesting that keeping everything inside is the way to go - it actually can be unhealthy - but this is his belief. Dad taught me to shake hands firmly and look people in the eye when doing so (a skill that is commented upon almost every time I greet someone). It wasn’t an easy lesson to learn - it was scary - but he insisted and it has served me well. He was vigorous in his insistence of table manners and manners in general - for example - speaking when spoken to, honesty, grooming, donning appropriate attire, practicing timeliness, respecting elders, and sustaining etiquette in both social situations and at home. He embodied all of these characteristics and refused to suffer breeches of them in his children. His temper could be terrifying, but, by god we learned.
The core values he instilled in me are central to my existence. We could ALL be well served by speaking with Traditionalists, asking about their experiences, learning from and possibly incorporating some of their practices into our lives today. In doing so, we can build some sorely needed civility in our world.
Think for a moment about the stark contrast between the reserved, conservative, and often silent senior generations and the younger folks who often share with abandon on social media, sitting safely behind a screen and safe from human reactions in person. The 24-hour news cycle and access to social media have created an astonishing divergence from those Traditionalists and Baby Boomers who rarely shared their thoughts, opinions and attitudes with anyone but trusted friends and practiced general courtesy in most or all situations (even the difficult ones). We live in a different society now certainly, than in the past, but we might think about adopting communication behaviors that encourages etiquette, decency, patience, non judgement and, in so doing, honoring our fellow human beings online and in-person.