Over the years it's been interesting to read about the divisions
between what they called "generations". It's just another way to put
people in boxes and categorize them but it does seem to work.
The "greatest generation" who fought World War II defended freedom.
The Vietnam generation that had to deal with so much and reacted in
ways that were sad when our soldiers came home. The boomers who are
cast as the selfish and self-centered generation by people of that
generation. How ironic! The millennial's. Gen X and others.
While I balk at the categorization and over-generalization that it
brings I have noticed some things that fall in line with what I've
read.
As a manager I have people that I am responsible for. I have watched
the generation before mine celebrate retirements by having gatherings
and covered dish lunches and celebrations of standing in front of your
peers while whoever happens to be the manager of the facility presents
you with a token of appreciation for your years of service. They got
away from the gold watch a long time ago but the plaque and a gift
card or gift of some item that captures the spirit of a career is
always fun and nice to see.
My generation, the people that I have worked with the most and who I
consider my peers even though I manage them, tend to not want any
attention. When their work anniversaries, especially the big ones
like 25 years, 30 years, I even had one guy reach 40 years, come they don't
want to have the certificate presented in front of anybody. If I
force the issue they want it done in a very small setting with their
close coworkers and teammates. And they do not want any kind of
retirement celebration. They just want to leave quietly. It's funny
because I feel the very same way and am hoping to just fade into the
woodwork.
The next generation after mine tends to be all about the certificate
and the pin. They want that trophy even though they may not display
it and may not tell anybody about it. But I have had several of them
come to me and say "Hey when do I get my anniversary certificate?"
And then when I do get it they beam when they receive it and then I
never see it again. They don't want it presented in front of a crowd
they just want to have it.
So there are differences in the generations. Seeing this small slice
of it I agree that it's based on upbringing, experiences as a child,
expectations of the group, and all the.
But I find it fascinating!
