[Fredslist] Inter-Generational e-Tip: Engage Generation X - March 2007 (and promotion)

Fri Mar 23 11:49:34 EDT 2007

Welcome to

Phyllis Weiss Haserot's

 INTER-GENERATIONAL RELATIONS e-TIP

March 2007

HOW ORGANIZATIONS CAN ENGAGE GENERATION X

There is a widely held perception that members of Generation X are not joiners and don't care to spend their time in organizational activities.  A study by Arthur Brooks, PhD, associate professor of public administration at Syracuse University and director of its Nonprofit Studies Program at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs found that not to be the case if these individuals, now in their 30s and early 40s, see real benefit to their careers.

Here are the points from Professor Brooks's research I think are most relevant to us and to our effort to engage the younger generations in the workplace for professional and business development results:

·        Professional and trade associations are growing in numbers and membership, and they are substituting for community associations in people's lives.

·        However, they have not been targeting adequately Gen Xers, who are moving into the age of highest organizational involvement - their 40s. 

·        Different from Baby Boomers, Gen Xers are only likely to join associations when they see tangible return on their investment; and they are not likely to join for a fee if they don't see tangible ROI or "real participation" opportunities.

·        Young people don't "discharge social capital responsibility" by writing a check or just being a member. (PWH Note: the same has long been true of most women and their philanthropic efforts - they want an active role, not just check-writing.)

·        Associations must market differently to Generation X than they have to Boomers and Traditionalist generations before them.

·        Gen Xers are typically less comfortable in social settings than Baby Boomers are.

·        They also place more emphasis on a work/play balance (note: this is not just work/life balance). So meetings need to be relevant to their careers and enjoyment of their lives.

Here are some strategies that are proving to work. A professional or trade organization needs to:

·        Be a resource for career development at every stage (all the way through retirement).

·        Provide service opportunities. This breeds loyalty.

·        Service means helping people in a charitable way.

·        Put young people on committees with a voice in planning and policy.

·        Sponsor interactive sessions and networking opportunities.

·        To attract members: survey them to see what would make them turn out.

·        Have educational sessions with clear takeaways for long term benefit.

How do we relate the above insights to engagement for building professional association membership and attendance and engagement in firm in-house professional development?

·        Focus on skills Gen X professionals can use immediately to make themselves more marketable.

·        Provide opportunities to demonstrate skills in a meaningful way and gain visibility.

·        Let the younger generation try things their own way and prove themselves.

·        Provide pro bono opportunities.

·        Incorporate competition and contests for fun with recognition.

·        Focus on being time efficient and avoid unnecessary meetings.

As always, I am eager to hear your thoughts.

Phyllis

For coaching, training and special programs on inter-generational relations and maximizing the potential of young professionals, call Phyllis for an exploratory talk or complimentary coaching session at 212-593-1549.   See www.pdcounsel.com/nextgen.html and www.pdcounsel.com/about.html . We also provide *Next Generation, Next Destination* transitioning planning programs and services for baby boomer senior professionals and their firms.

Check out *Next Generation, Next Destination*, our blog about transitioning planning and the generations. Visit, comment and subscribe by RSS feed or e-mail. http://www.nextgeneration-nextdestination.com. 

Phyllis is available to speak at your organization or at firm retreats on inter-generational relations and organizational effectiveness topics. Call or e-mail for a list of topics or to custom-tailor your own.

If you think our e-Alerts address significant issues requiring serious attention, please forward them to everyone you think would be interested. Upon request they can receive a complimentary subscription directly.  Send an e-mail to pwhaserot at pdcounsel.com with "Inter-Generational Relations" in the subject line. 

Publication rights will be granted with request for permission. 

Phyllis Weiss Haserot
Practice Development Counsel
Consulting/Coach to the Next Generation
Creator of *Next Generation, Next Destination* and *The Flexible Firm*

Voice: 212-593-1549
Fax: 212-980-7940
pwhaserot at pdcounsel.com 
please visit: www.pdcounsel.com 

http://www.nextgeneration-nextdestination.com 

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