Generational Differences in the Fire Service Objectives Describe

Generational Differences in the Fire Service

Objectives Describe the characteristics of the generations in the fire service Discuss the “Generational Divide” How to “bridge the gap” of the Generational Divide Show the similarities that are shared uniquely among the generations in the fire service

A Generation Is A body of individuals born in approximately the same time period who generally share similar behaviors and attitudes.

Generations in the Fire Service BOOMERS (1946 -1964) Gen X-ers (1965 -1980) Gen Y-ers “Millennials” (1981 -1994) Gen Z-ers “Linksters” (1995 -present)

Boomers 52 -70 years old Optimistic “Live to Work” attitude Motivated by Achievement Rather communicate face to face or by phone than any other means Prefers feedback once a year with documentation (May be insulted by continuous feedback)

Generation X-ers 36 -51 years old Skeptical & Individualistic “Work to Live” attitude Values relationships with coworkers above relationships with their employer Prefers to get feedback by asking “how am I doing? ”(immediate and continuous)

Generation Y-ers (Millennials) 22 -35 years old Hopeful & Optimistic “Work my Way” attitude Values diversity, structure, and relationships Prefers to learn in groups or with Technology Comfortable communicating via text or social media Mentoring: constant feedback needed Share ideas openly as part of their “team” mentality. Try new approaches to attain objectives Gen Y is most in need of mentoring and responds well to personal attention Prefers feedback at the push of a button, “whenever I want it” (Immediate and continuous)

Generation Z-ers 21 and younger Soon to be up and coming in the Fire Service Realists and Entrepreneurs Want instant gratification Grew up on i. Pads, Facebook, Twitter, Smartphones, You. Tube, etc. Not much else is known….

Generational Divide Gens X, Y, & Z want things done now, no waiting Boomers want to take a slow and methodical approach to completing most tasks

Generational Divide Causes: Career Values Technology Working Styles Slang

Bridging the Gap Generational Needs: Boomers: Gen-Xers: Offer flexibility, authority, and respect Challenge them to keep growing & learning Engage them as teachers, mentors, and coaches. They have a wealth of knowledge! Manage with a coaching style Use as a “Bridge” between the Boomers and Millennials Give fast feedback and credit for results Push them to keep learning Millennials: Fair and direct management who are engaged in their personal development Know their capabilities, put them in roles to push their limits! Treat them as professional colleagues and they will act like Professionals Keep them focused with speed and interactivity

Bridging the Gap How to bridge the gap: gap Clarify the goals. Everyone has a common purpose. Don’t lead with judgements about age. Be careful not to follow blanket stereotypes. Don’t confuse character issues like immaturity, laziness, or stubbornness as generational traits. Accommodate different learning styles. Mentoring is a 2 -way street, generations learn from each other. We all have something to give. Realize everyone has something to bring to the table. Don’t automatically dismiss different approaches to completing tasks.

Fire Service Similarities As a Fire Service, we are unique in the fact that this job attracts a certain breed of people. Whether a Boomer, Gen-x, or a Millennial we share a lot of similar “traits”. We should and most often use this to our advantage to get the job done. Some of the traits we share are: Respect Trust We want credible and trustworthy leaders Everyone wants to genuinely do a good job No one likes change, but it’s part of the job Everyone wants to learn We want to be communicated to We are working towards the same goal

Conclusion The Fire Service isn’t a corporation, we can’t just change the way we do business to accommodate all generations, but we can learn to work with each other better. Regardless of age, people are influenced by their environment. Millennials starve for strong leadership, mentors, and good role models. It’s the job of the seasoned Veterans to provide it.