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Training Generation Y has become a new topic of discussion amongst the training community.

Constantly I hear that trainers are frustrated, exhausted, and sick to death of trying to accommodate Gen-yers in the classroom. I’ve heard many times that there is just no training a generation that is disrespectful, distracted, uninterested and acts like they already know everything. Trainers are quick to tell me stories of unruly participants texting on cell phones in class, talking over participants in group discussions, and not knowing the first thing about working in a business environment.

As I must acknowledge that there are plenty of bad examples out there in our training rooms, I do want to propose that some of the “problems” we see with generation Y are because we as trainers are lacking a little perspective. It must also be noted that not all problem individuals are from generation Y. It is important to remember that people are individuals first, and then an age….something so many of us are quick to forget.

So before we get into what’s going on with generation Y, and why so many trainers are complaining lately of this newest group of young folks to enter the workforce. Let’s first gain some perspective on the different generations in the classroom.

Unlike ever before there are currently four different generations in the classroom.

But what is a generation anyway? Come on trainers, let us clearly define what we’re talking about here:

Generations can be simply defined as groups or cohorts of people that have shared the same life, community, and worldly events. They (the generation) usually share the same types/kinds of values and interests.

So which four generations are currently in the workplace? I like to define the big four as the Veterans, the Baby Boomers, the Gen-Xers, and the Gen Yers (that’s me).

Common life events and values shared by Veterans:

• • WWII or Depression Parents
  • Korean War
  • Appreciate hierarchy
  • Work to live
  • Fiscally prudent
  • Understand a paycheck
  • Know sacrifice
  • Do not question authority
  • Slow to leave the workplace

A typical Veteran may say: “I’d be happy to share some of the wisdom it’s taken me years to accumulate. But nobody asks me!?” Veterans tend to value: authority, discipline, duty before pleasure, hard work, and sacrifice.

Common life events and values shared by Baby Boomers:

• • Vietnam War
  • Sexual revolution
  • Birth control
  • Women enter the workplace
  • Widely known at the “me” generation
  • Value money
  • High value on materialism
  • Very educated
  • Work-a-holics: sacrifice family for job.

A typical Baby Boomer may say: “I paid my dues along the way. Is it too much to ask for young people to make an occasional sacrifice?” Boomers tend to value: optimism, freedom, ideals, and require involvement.

Common life events and values shared by the Gen Xers:

• • Known as the “latch-key” generation
  • First generation to have divorced parents
  • Aids/drugs
  • 80’s down economy
  • Money doesn’t define them
  • Embrace family over work. They work to live not live to work.

A typical Gen Xer may say: “I have a family…so sue me.” Xers tend to value: skepticism, informality, self-reliance, experimentation, and questioning of authority.

Common life events and values shared by the Gen Yers:

• • Common to have dual income families
  • Divorced parents
  • Columbine shooting
  • Globally aware
  • Technology revolution
  • First “tracked” generation
  • Happy Meal generation - instant food where everyone get a toy.

A typical Gen Yer may say: “I can work as effectively on a report from home; I don’t need to drive through rush hour traffic to sit at my desk and get it done.” Yers tend to value: diversity, being social, expressive, socially conscience, and morality.

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…Part 2 of my topic on Training Generation Y will focus on classroom preferences of the generations. Stay tuned!…