Generations: Moving Through Time
Technology can still become a flash point in the clinical workplace. Some Veterans would still like it to “go away,” but most see it as a “necessary evil.” Boomers see it as a useful tool—but also sometimes an interruption. Generation X grew up with technology and is adept in its use. Generation Y may quickly become the technology leaders in the clinic—but need to be inclusive and patient with others who are slower to catch on.
Facilitating growth and development in the presence of a generationally diverse workforce is difficult. Sherman makes excellent recommendations for nursing leaders who want to “enable the workforce to thrive and to meet tomorrow’s health care challenges.”2 These recommendations should, in my opinion, also be used by NPs, PAs, and physicians:
• Seek to understand each generational cohort and accommodate generational differences in attitudes, values, and behaviors
• Develop generationally sensitive styles to effectively coach and motivate all members of the health care team
• Develop the ability to flex a communication style to accommodate generational differences
• Promote the resolution of generational conflict so as to build effective work teams
• Capitalize on generational differences, using the differences to enhance the work of the entire team.2
I would love to hear your thoughts. Are there differences in generational team members or are we just “stuck in time”? E-mail me at PAEditor@qhc.com.
