Insomnia: February 2006

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Transgeneration Gaps

By Georgene Waterman

Q One year ago, I was promoted to project manager for a national construction company that has a large division in Sacramento. I am presently responsible for three large projects from Redding to Fresno. I have three superintendents who work for me. They are on the job every day to ensure that the subcontractors are doing what they were contracted to do. I am having trouble managing these superintendents.
     One of them is a gruff 60-year-old who keeps telling me, "We used to do it this way in the good old days." The next guy is about 40. It seems like all he wants to do is get finished with his work so he can go and play. The third superintendent (25) is a hard worker and doesn't mind working overtime, but he thinks he should have my job. I have taken several management classes, but they don't seem to be helping. Can you give me some pointers?

Rest assured…
You are dealing with what all managers will be dealing with for the next 10 to 15 years. You are managing a "transgenerational workforce," one superintendent who is a baby boomer, one Generation Xer and one from Generation Y. To understand how to manage this diverse workforce, you need to understand these employees and their needs, so you can flex your management style to suit each of them.
Continued...

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