Are Generational Stereotypes Useful?

Tom Fox of the Partnership for Public Service tackles the question of whether generational stereotypes are real in Monday's Federal Coach column. Fox argues that there may be real differences among the four generations in the federal workforce today, but conventional wisdom may not always be accurate. As a result, federal leaders should spend time asking questions and getting to know each member of the team in order to gain perspective on what motivates each employee, regardless of their generation. Leaders also should make sure they're looking for talent that matches the needs of today, rather than seeking traits that already exist, Fox advises.

"Thirty years ago government managers set out to find people willing to stay for 30 years. That was the norm," Fox writes. "Today, though, you're looking at a different population. People are looking to move around throughout their careers, and leaders need to make sure they are changing with the times."

Do generational stereotypes still govern some of the management practices in your office? Are the stereotypes useful? And do leaders at your agency look to hire employees with the talents of today or yesterday?