"A Federal Family Portrait" and "Reaching Generation C"

Comment

Comment by Andrew Krzmarzick on June 12, 2009 at 2:47pm

Scott, Steve and Maureen - Thanks for your feedback!

I have been tweeting about this topic today and have received the following input from @danbevarly:

Social - vis contact w/ friends/family
Knowledge -access 2 info/data
Commerce- purchase goods/servcs
Tele-working
Entertainment

Look for another blog post about the results of this conversation next week!

Comment by Maureen Hetzel on June 12, 2009 at 2:10pm

Speaking as a Boomer, what will make it work is exposure, translated into everyday vocabulary that speaks to "what's in it for me?" The economic reality is causing many to rethink their retirement plans....so reaching this group is so very important. Simple explanations that translate into how I can use these tools to do my job better. Success and personal satisfaction about contributing need to be redefined into being current to expand your reach and impact.

Comment by GovLoop on June 10, 2009 at 4:56pm

In my own experience with Boomers they really caught on with stuff like email, IM, and text messages because that is the only way their kids would communicate with them. So maybe there is a way to say "Let's try this stuff at work. It'll help you communicate with kids/grand kids as well"

Comment by K. Scott Derrick on June 7, 2009 at 1:09pm

Andy: Very informative! I particularly like the information on generational learning preferences.

Regarding your second question: I would think that blended learning approaches would be an effective way to help overcome fear and reticence in adopting and using social media.

Comment by Andrew Krzmarzick on June 6, 2009 at 6:09pm

Is the torch going to be passed to Gen X or will the Boomers hang on as long as they can...then pass it to the Millennials? You can see the potential for major conflict already!

Yes - 15% is incredibly low...and a major problem for government. It's tied to the troublesome, lengthy hiring process in my opinion. Once you're in, it's easy to stay in...but it's hard to break through.

Thanks for the book recommendation...I'll have to check it out!

Comment by Joe Flood on June 5, 2009 at 3:59pm

I'm a Gen Xer. That's a really interesting overview of the generations. I've read that a large portion of the federal workforce will be eligible to retire in the next five years. But, as you point out, few of these Boomers will actually retire. So, unfortunately, I don't see the torch being passed to Gen X/Y!

Another point you make - only 15% of mid-career positions are filled from outside government. Is that healthy for an organization? That percentage seems awfully low to me.

And if you want to read a really funny book about generational conflict, check out Boomsday by Christopher Buckley.