In "The Multigenerational Workforce, Managing and Motivating Multiple Generations in the Legal Workplace", Sally Kane posits the following about the various generations:

1. Baby Boomers (aged 46-64) hold positions of power and authority and comprise the majority of law firm partners and senior level executives. They are loyal and work-centric. High levels of responsibility, perks, praise and challenge motivate this generation.

2. Generation X’ers (aged 32-45) hold junior partner and senior associate positions in law firms and middle-management positions in corporate legal departments. They are ambitious and hardworking but value work/life balance. Diversity, challenge, responsibility and creative input motivate this generation.

3. Generation Y’ers (aged 21-31) hold entry level associate positions in law firms and corporate legal departments. They are creative, optimistic, achievement-oriented and tech-savvy multi-taskers who seek challenge and personal growth. Immediate feedback, praise and frequent communication motivate this generation.

According to an article by Robert Half Legal, the biggest benefits to a multi-generational workplace are that it:

• Brings together people of varying experience levels;
• Allows for greater diversity of project teams; and
• Allows for mentoring opportunities.

The biggest challenges are that the different generations have:

• Different work ethics and approaches to work life balance;
• Conflicting communication styles; and
• Different points of view, which make it harder to reach consensus.

Keeping these generational differences in mind could help you to understand and to work more effectively with a colleague or even a client.   

Sharon Davis - Click here for more information on Sharon Davis.