Today’s workplaces are characterized by multigenerational work forces which may span 40 years or more. With more older workers staying or returning to the workplace, members of Generation X and the Millennial generation in leadership and management roles are finding themselves working not only with younger generations – but increasingly managing or leading those of older generations.

This course examines the characteristics of major U.S. generational groups and their impact on the workplace. With an emphasis on “peer personalities” participants explore manager to subordinate and subordinate to manager relationships across the generational groups. Practical approaches are examined to better understand and work across generations. Participants discuss techniques to recognize dissent and manage conflict based in cultural differences and generational gaps; how to work with people in generational conflict; how to recognize their own positions which might interfere with communication; and how to find common interests to overcome generational position-based conflicts at work.  

Instructors: Jennifer Kalfsbeek, Ph.D. is Assistant Dean for Program Development, Tseng College of Graduate Studies, CSU-Northridge.