National Sai Education Retreat – Canberra Sathya Sai Education Pathways to Self-Discovery Workshop...

National Sai Education Retreat – Canberra 

Sathya Sai EducationPathways to Self-Discovery

Workshop on

GENERATION GAP

Facilitated by

PADMA AYYAGARI

Saturday 15th Aug 2009

GENERATION GAP

Aim:

• “First Understanding and then Adjustment” – Sai Baba

GENERATION GAP

Aim:

• “First Understanding and then Adjustment” – Sai Baba

• To keep you all awake and engaged in a session straight after lunch

GENERATION GAP

Objectives:

• To recognize and appreciate the different generational mix, their values and attitudes.

GENERATION GAP

Objectives:

• To recognize and appreciate the different generational mix, their values and attitudes

• To enhance the understanding of communication styles of different generations

GENERATION GAP

Objectives:

• To recognize and appreciate the different generational mix, their values and attitudes

• To enhance the understanding of communication styles of different generations

• To appreciate how communication style based on 5 Human Values leads to Adjustment which in turn leads to Unity from Community

GENERATION GAP

•How many generations in the Sai Organisation?

GENERATION GAP

How many generations in the Sai Organisation?

• Veterans 1926 – 1945 64 - 83yrs

• Boomers 1946 – 1964 45 - 63yrs

•Gen x 1965 – 1981 28 - 44yrs

•Gen Y 1982 – 2000 9 – 27yrs

•Gen Z 2001+ 0 – 8yrs

GENERATION GAP

• Total membership is 4104.

• 66% of the membership is 36 and above ie., born before 1973 so most of them would be Baby Boomers & Builders

GENERATION GAP

• Total membership is 4104.

• 66% of the membership is 36 and above ie., born before 1973 so most of them would be Baby Boomers & Builders

• 18% is above 16 & below 36 ie., born between 1973 & 1993 – Gen X & Gen Y

GENERATION GAP

• Total membership is 4104.

• 66% of the membership is 36 and above ie., born before 1973 so most of them would be Baby Boomers & Builders

• 18% is above 16 & below 36 ie., born between 1973 & 1993 – Gen X & Gen Y

• 16% of the membership is below 16 yrs ie., born after 1993 – Gen Y & Gen

GENERATION GAP

•Which means we the 66% need to make an effort to understand, appreciate and nurture the 34% who would be our future.

•Majority of this 34% would be Gen Y kids

GENERATION GAP

•Why do we need to understand different generations?

GENERATION GAP

•Why do we need to understand different generations?

• Each generation has its own view of

• Learning and development,

GENERATION GAP

•Why do we need to understand different generations?

• Each generation has its own view of

• Learning and development

• Work life balance,

GENERATION GAP

•Why do we need to understand different generations?

• Each generation has its own view of

• Learning and development

• Work life balance,

• Sense of loyalty and

GENERATION GAP

•Why do we need to understand different generations?

• Each generation has its own view of

• Learning and development

• Work life balance,

• Sense of loyalty and

• Expectations of Leaders and the Organizational environment

GENERATION GAP

•Discovering these will help in

•Different age groups relating to one another and share ideas

• Increased appreciation for the concerns and issues of each era.

GENERATION GAP

Characteristics of the Generations - Veterans

• Values privacy

• Challenging to share inner thoughts

• Believe in hard work, paying their dues before achievement is recognized

• Their word is their bond

• Value honesty

GENERATION GAP

Characteristics of the Generations - Veterans

• Formal communication

• Clearly defined roles and functions

•Not wasteful (having seen WWII and Great Depression)

• Saving and making do

•Optimistic, willing to sacrifice

• Patience is a virtue

GENERATION GAP

Baby Boomers (born 1946 – 1964)

• Value peer competition

• Strive for challenge and change

•Hard work necessary to move to next level. Value hard work

• Enjoy climbing ladder of success.

• Job status and symbols important

GENERATION GAP

Baby Boomers (born 1946 – 1964)

• Body language important. Show-me generation

•Work well in teams

• Fight for the cause they believe in

• Talk about ‘inclusive leadership’, but often do not have the required skills or believe in it

•Health and personal growth are important

• See their role as one of questioning, justifying and creating change

GENERATION GAP

Generation X (born 1965 – 1980)

•Economically aware

•Can be discouraged about society

•Adept, clever and resourceful

•Comfortable with change

GENERATION GAP

Generation X (born 1965 – 1980)

• Clear about meaning of balance in life

•Work to live, not live to work

• Introduced diversity, thinking globally and “fun” into work place

•Wants plenty of information

• Value loyalty in workplace, but loyalty can also mean giving two weeks notice

•Manage own time, solve own problems

GENERATION GAP

Generation Y (born 1982 – 2000)

•Has a firm desire to know the reason behind what is happening and what they do – hence the Y or WHY generation

• Similar values to Veterans – optimistic, confident, sociable, strong morals and sense of civic duty

•Most success driven – ambitious

•Want to lead than follow

• Extremely confident in their intellectual ability

•More than half consider themselves as intellectuals

GENERATION GAP

Generation Y (born 1982 – 2000)

• Extremely tech savvy

• Biggest risk takers

• Believe risk is important for innovation

• Tolerant, accepting of differences in terms of race, gender and ethnicity

• Concerned about environment

•Multi taskers and fast thinkers

• Creative and independent thinkers

• Financially smart

GENERATION GAP

Generational comparison chart regarding attitudes and influences on:

The Future

• Boomers - Is ours

•Gen Xs - Sucks!

•Gen Ys - Might not happen!

GENERATION GAP

School/Training

• Boomers - Tell me WHAT

•Gen Xs - Show me HOW

•Gen Ys - WHY do I need it

GENERATION GAP

Respecting elders

• Boomers - Is automatic

•Gen Xs - Is Polite

•Gen Ys - Just because they are older? No way!

GENERATION GAP

Credit/Borrowing

• Boomers - Only if I have to

•Gen Xs - If I really want something

•Gen Ys - How much can I get

GENERATION GAP

Communication

• Boomers - Via Parent’s phone

•Gen Xs - Via personal phone

•Gen Ys - Mobile, email, social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter etc.,

GENERATION GAP

Change

• Boomers - Dislike

•Gen Xs - Accept

•Gen Ys - Demand

GENERATION GAP

Technology

• Boomers - Ignorant

•Gen Xs - Comfortable

•Gen Ys - Masters

GENERATION GAP

Heroes/Role models

• Boomers - Men of character

•Gen Xs - Men & women of character

•Gen Ys - What’s character?

GENERATION GAP

Loyalty to Employer

• Boomers - I could work my way to the top

•Gen Xs - This could lead to the top

•Gen Ys - If I can’t take Saturday off, I’ll quit

GENERATION GAP

Streetwise

• Boomers - Naïve

•Gen Xs - Aware

•Gen Ys - Experienced

GENERATION GAP

Motivators

• Boomers - Love Pep talks

•Gen Xs - Ask for their reactions and opinions

•Gen Ys - Be more of a coach, less of a boss.

GENERATION GAP

Motivators:

• Boomers - State objectives & desired results expected of team

•Gen Xs - Give multiple tasks, but allow them to set priorities

•Gen Ys - Like to know their goals & explain how they fit into the big picture

GENERATION GAP

HT, IIRC, LY 5 B4 ARATHI.

JTTLYK. HTH. TAFN. SYS. P

GENERATION GAP

HT, IIRC, LY 5 B4 ARATHI. JTTLYK. HTH. TAFN. SYS. P

• Can you decipher this message?

•What was your reaction when you saw the message?

•How do you respond? What would be your style of response

GENERATION GAP

Hi There (HT), If I recall correctly (IIRC),

last year (LY) 5 bhajans before arathi.

Just thought to let you know (JTTLYK).

Hope this helps (HTH).

That’s all for now (TAFN).

See you soon (SYS).

P

GENERATION GAP

•Was the person communicating deliberately trying to make it hard for you?

•Do you think he/she cares about what is being communicated?

•Do you think the person is being disrespectful to you?

GENERATION GAP

•Having understood the generational differences, what next?

GENERATION GAP

Having understood the generational differences, what next?

• Swami says – “First Understanding, then Adjustment”

GENERATION GAP

Having understood the generational differences, what next?

Swami says – “First Understanding, then Adjustment”

•We have tried to understand

•How do we adjust?

•What do we adjust?

•What tools have we got to adjust?

GENERATION GAP

•What is Adjustment?

GENERATION GAP

What is Adjustment?

• Regulating

GENERATION GAP

What is Adjustment?

• Regulating

• Balancing

GENERATION GAP

What is Adjustment?

• Regulating

• Balancing

• Adapting

GENERATION GAP

What is Adjustment?

• Regulating

• Balancing

• Adapting

• Compromise

GENERATION GAP

What is Adjustment?

• Regulating

• Balancing

• Adapting

• Compromise

• Accommodating

GENERATION GAP

What is Adjustment?

• Regulating

• Balancing

• Adapting

• Compromise

• Accommodating

•Maintaining order in every aspect of life

GENERATION GAP

What does adjustment do?

GENERATION GAP

What does adjustment do?

•Makes every change

• Smooth

GENERATION GAP

What does adjustment do?

•Makes every change

• Smooth

• Easy

GENERATION GAP

What does adjustment do?

•Makes every change

• Smooth

• Easy

• Harmonious

GENERATION GAP

What does adjustment do?

•Makes every change

• Smooth

• Easy

• Harmonious

• Perfect

GENERATION GAP

What happens where there is no adjustment?

GENERATION GAP

What happens where there is no adjustment?

•Disagreement

GENERATION GAP

What happens where there is no adjustment?

•Disagreement

• Resentment

GENERATION GAP

What happens where there is no adjustment?

•Disagreement

• Resentment

•Dissension

GENERATION GAP

What happens where there is no adjustment?

•Disagreement

• Resentment

•Dissension

• Fighting

GENERATION GAP

What happens where there is no adjustment?

•Disagreement

• Resentment

•Dissension

• Fighting

• Refusal

GENERATION GAP

What happens where there is no adjustment?

•Disagreement

• Resentment

•Dissension

• Fighting

• Refusal

• Protest

GENERATION GAP

What happens where there is no adjustment?

•Disagreement

• Resentment

•Dissension

• Fighting

• Refusal

• Protest

• Contention

GENERATION GAP

What happens where there is no adjustment?

•Disagreement

• Resentment

•Dissension

• Fighting

• Refusal

• Protest

• Contention

•Disconnection

GENERATION GAP

•What causes non-adjustment?

GENERATION GAP

What causes non-adjustment?

• Too much focus on who makes the rules and who follows the rules

GENERATION GAP

What causes non-adjustment?

• Too much focus on who makes the rules and who follows the rules

• Power Struggle

GENERATION GAP

What causes non-adjustment?

• Too much focus on who makes the rules and who follows the rules

• Power Struggle

•Non understanding of what is being communicated as communication styles are different

GENERATION GAP

What causes non-adjustment?

• Too much focus on who makes the rules and who follows the rules

• Power Struggle

•Non understanding of what is being communicated as communication styles are different

• Lack of trust and respect

GENERATION GAP

What are related values of Adjustment?

GENERATION GAP

What are related values of adjustment?

•Understanding

GENERATION GAP

What are related values of adjustment?

•Understanding

•Harmony

GENERATION GAP

What are related values of adjustment?

•Understanding

•Harmony

• Tolerance

GENERATION GAP

What are related values of adjustment?

•Understanding

•Harmony

• Tolerance

• Satisfaction

GENERATION GAP

What are related values of adjustment?

•Understanding

•Harmony

• Tolerance

• Satisfaction

•Determination

GENERATION GAP

What are the limits to adjustment?

Does adjustment means giving in?

GENERATION GAP

What are the limits to adjustment?

• Becoming a doormat

GENERATION GAP

What are the limits to adjustment?

• Becoming a doormat

• Ignoring destructive behavior in the name of adjustment

GENERATION GAP

What are the limits to adjustment?

• Becoming a doormat

• Ignoring destructive behavior in the name of adjustment

•Not questioning obvious behavior due to fear

GENERATION GAP

What are the limits to adjustment?

• Becoming a doormat

• Ignoring destructive behavior in the name of adjustment

•Not questioning obvious behavior due to fear

• Lack of boundaries in a relationship

GENERATION GAP

•How do we adjust – Tips:

• Swami says

“Adjustment is an index of devotion.

Adjustment is a spiritual sadhana.

Adjustment is possible where there

is understanding.”

GENERATION GAP

“Understanding also is a form of Sadhana.

Acquire understanding and act on that basis, then you will experience bliss”

- Baba

GENERATION GAP

•Greater the trust and respect for each other, smaller the gap

GENERATION GAP

•Greater the trust and respect for each other, smaller the gap

• Younger generation sees the older generation as people who don’t seem eager to die for the cause.

GENERATION GAP

•Greater the trust and respect for each other, smaller the gap

• Younger generation sees the older generation as people who don’t seem eager to die for the cause

•Older generation sees the young as idealistic and lacking wisdom.

GENERATION GAP

• Reality is we need each other

GENERATION GAP

• Reality is we need each other

•Wisdom without passion is a dry riverbed

GENERATION GAP

• Reality is we need each other

•Wisdom without Passion is a dry riverbed

• Passion without Wisdom is a swamp

GENERATION GAP

• Reality is we need each other

•Wisdom without passion is a dry riverbed

• Passion without wisdom is a swamp

•When Wisdom of older generation and Passion of younger generation are combined, we get a river that is full of life and moving forward

GENERATION GAP

•Why do we need to combine Wisdom and Passion?

•What does adjustment based on understanding do?

GENERATION GAP

What does adjustment based on understanding do?

• Leads to Unity from Community

GENERATION GAP

According to Swami –

• There are two attitudes of mind

GENERATION GAP

According to Swami –

There are two attitudes of mind

• Community attitude

GENERATION GAP

According to Swami –

There are two attitudes of mind

• Community attitude

•Unity attitude

GENERATION GAP

“In the grip of community idea, we cling to some as friends and keep away from others.

This attitude cannot win the grace of the One.

He who sees unity, wins the grace of One.

And one spark of that grace destroys in the conflagration it causes, the fame and blame, the joy and grief, that the world heaps on the head. “

Sathya Sai Baba

GENERATION GAP

“Do not worry about the temporary trifles and tribulations.”

“Do not exaggerate the inconveniences they cause. Bear them with courage and ‘Smile’.

“Aim at the highest goal.”

Sathya Sai Baba

GENERATION GAP

“Unity is the secret of social progress and service to society is the means to promote it” - Baba

GENERATION GAP

“Willingness to compromise with others ways of living and cooperation in common tasks, these make living happy and fulfilled.”

Baba

GENERATION GAP

“Let us grow together, Enjoy together” - Baba