Archive for May, 2009

Today’s worker world has a thread and weave of a different color, pattern and texture. Twenty years ago the job market was dominated by the baby-boomer generation and Generation-X. Today the job market is rapidly tipping the scales in another direction, as Generation Y moves into the forefront as the dominant pool.

Is there a difference between the baby-boom generation, Gen X and Gen Y? Sufficient to affect the working world?

Absolutely – there is.

What was the mentality of the baby-boomer generation as far as work goes, expectations, goals and aspirations. And what about Gen X? How is that different than Gen Y who have grown up with iPods, internet, a rapidly and ever changing global face.

Baby boomers and to a large degree, Gen Xs, grew up in a world with a Communist USSR, nuclear armaments and threat of global devastation hanging over them, post WW II fall-out and Vietnam, space wars and the introduction of the drug culture? As compared to Gen-Y who are dealing with an inflated threat of terrorism, global melt-down of oil resources, ecology and possibly more impacting than anything, the disappearing global borders that have defined countries, nations and cultures. With the web and the fact that the world is accessible in seconds, through cyberspace, the world is no longer what it used to be. It is now flat and a click-away.

The question is – what do baby-boomers and Gen Xs who still in many ways control and dominate ownership and control over companies and corporations, do to bridge over to and capitalize on the new Gen-Y work-force?

And conversely, how does the Gen-Y capitalize on the baby-boomer and Gen X generations and work effectively to achieve it’s goals in this transitioning global scene?

The question isn’t just posed at Gen-X nor is it is just a question to be answered by Gen-Y.

The fact is that the world is rapidly morphing and those of us in the Human Resources industry are watching this and coping with the changes in mentality that exist between these.

Before we attempt to offer some solutions to this issue, first let’s get a real basic understanding of terms by understanding the distinct differences between each generation. Click on each link below and read the definitions. This is important to understanding and engaging some workable approach to smoothly transitioning the generational differences.

What is the “Baby-Boomer” generation?
What is Generation X – the “baby-bust” or “13th Generation”
What is Generation Y – the Millennials.

Real J. Laplaine
Recruiter & Headhunter
CPGworks

What happens EVERY June in America?

Scientists across the nation are recording record highs in migrations of people during the month of June. It’s been noted by specialists, and non-specialists for that matter, that there is a repeating wave of humanity which echoes from every part of the nation and eventually confluences into Buffalo.

Countless reports are on record of mothers suddenly standing up from the dinner tables, as if possessed and struck by some paranormal force, and then walking out the front door, jumping into their Tahoes and driving to Buffalo.

Every year, in June, businesses, restaurants, retail stores and in fact every avenue of the corporate world witnesses men and women suddenly and mysteriously getting glazed looks on their faces, and then excusing themselves and promptly disappearing only to be found standing at bus terminals and airports with tickets in hand to Buffalo NY.

Groups of people around the nation are seen gathering on streets or front lawns, wearing Bills and Sabres T-shirts and caps and chanting verses into the air in anticipation of the games they will see when they arrive to Buffalo.

What is this obsession?

How can people become so driven, so compelled to get to Buffalo by 25 June – and for what?

Is it the Buffalo Wings? Beef on Weck? The Bills games? The arts festivals? Spring weather to die for? One of the friendliest places in the country?

Certainly – none of these things are factors?

Scientists are still investigating the phenomenon for some “logical” answer!

In the meantime, if you feel the fever coming on. If you feel some physical throbbing and an incalculably powerful desire to just walk out your front door and get to Buffalo for The Buffalo Homecoming – Citybration in June — then just follow the impulse. There is nothing wrong with you. In fact, the only thing wrong is that those studying this phenomenon are missing out on a GREAT weekend in the legendary city of Buffalo New York.

Be there – June 25th, 26th, 27th and 28th and satiate the obsession! It’s called BUFFALO HOMECOMING. www.citybration.com

Real J Laplaine