EEOC Conference - Different Generations

My sister and I were talking about the differences the 9 years between us (she's younger) makes and she sent me something she got from an EEOC Conference she attended (she works for an attorney). It's so hard for me to believe that someone needs to teach people about different generations and that they are treated differently because of the generation they were born into....

Traditionalists (1925-1945)
Practical, Patient, Loyal, and Hardworking, Respectful of Authority, Follows Rules
Also referred to as Veterans, Builders and The Silent Generation
Many are at or past retirement age, but staying in workforce longer.
The hold deep respect for rules, authority, frugality, self discipline.
Tend to value conformity and see work as an obligation of adulthood, rather than personal fulfillment.
They typically feel that electronic forms of communication are cold, impersonal, complex, confusing.
When it comes to receiving job feedback, they feel that no news is good news.
Strongly value being "respected as elders."
They are often stereotyped as somewhat rigid, autocratic and behind the times, especially when it comes to technology.
Taught to save rather than spend.
Influenced greatly by growing up in the shadow of the Great Depression, the horror of Pearl Harbor and the call to arms for both WWII and Korean War.

Baby Boomers (1946-1964)
Optimistic, Teamwork & Cooperation, Ambitious, Workaholic
Major influence on American culture.
Many grew up during a time of dramatic social, political and technological change.
Saw the introduction of the birth control pill, creit cards, a man land on the moon and the birth of civil rights. Experienced first-hand the misery of the Viet Nam war.
Currently dominate more senior ranks in organizations and politics.
Boomers are characterized by core values such as optimism, involvement, respect for power and accomplishment as well as "paying your dues."
Many boomers are competitors who believe that success is only achieved through hard work, long hours and by getting along with others.
Work tends to be a source of personal identity and fulfillment that is rewarded with advancement, job title and tangible rewards.
Most boomers have developed some technological savvy because they know it is necessary for progress.
Willing to give whatever it takes to succeed at work - LIVE to work generation.
Many tend to be workaholics, politically sensitive, idealistic and often lack appropriate balance between work and their personal lives.

Generation X (1965-1981)
Skeptical, Self-reliant, Risk-taking, Balances work and personal life.
Were raised in a prosperous, materialistic culture created by boomers.
They have been significantly influenced by divorce, 2-income households and more gender, ethnic and racial diversity than any previous generation.
Core values are self-reliance, results-oriented, informality, skepticism and individualism.
Tend to see work as a "contract" - to deliver results in exchange for compensation, rather a source of identity or fulfillment.
A common attitude is, "tell me what you need done and when you need it 0 but don't tell me how or where to do it." Freedom and flexibility are the best rewards for achievement.
Their communication style and work pace tends to be fast, direct, immediate and technology based.
Are not prone to working extensive overtime or on weekends. They want to get their work done quickly so they can leave and get on with their personal lives.
Occasionally, people in this group are criticized for being impatient, cynical, self-centered, disloyal and alcking a more traditional work ethic.
Historical events that shape their world view are: Tylenol Scare, 3 mile island, oil spills, Challanger Disaster, Shooting of Ronald Reagan, Fall of Berlin Wall and Bill Clinton Scandal.

Generation Y (1982-2002)
Hopeful, Meaningful work, values change and diversity, technologically savvy
First generation to read fewer books, in favor of having computers as toddlers, hundreds of TV channels, web sites to surf and downloads. The often have i-pods and cell phones before they hit puberty.
Core values tend to be self-confidence, tenacity,, inquisitiveness, extreme informality, and social-consciousness.
Work tends to be something they do between weekends - it should be FUN.
Millenials care less about promotions, don't necessarily want more responsiblity at work and don't want to work extra hours.
FAST is the key word! They have little patience for slower, less-efficient pace of those who are older. They demand options and choices and expect attention and feedback.
Multi-tasking through multimedia isn't a tool or strategy - it's a way of life.
Concepts like commitment, traditions and dress codes are pretty much irrelevant when it comes to "doing the job you hired me to do."
Millenials are often perceived as spoiled, impatient, egocentric and technology addicted.
From work, they want: to work with positive people, to be challenged, be treated respectfully, learn new info & skills, work in a friendly environment, have flexibility in their jobs and be paid well.

I guess I've been out of the workforce for a few years.