A presentation at the 2015 Colorado Planning Conference about maximizing the potential of intergenerational teams was filled with humor, myth-busting, and authentic perspectives from Boomer, Gen X, and Millennial planners. Ten years later, working as a planner has changed dramatically, and a new generation has entered the workforce. This presentation reflects on past experiences, confronts current assumptions and stereotypes, and offers optimism for the future. Presenters who belong to all four generations — from a Boomer executive to a Gen Z Planner I — offer tools and tips for managing effective teams of intergenerational planners.
Questions tackled include:
How have the generations changed over the past 10 years?
How have planning workplaces changed?
How has the concept of a “career” changed? What does it mean to start and finish a career?
How has being a planner changed?
What new skills and areas of focus are necessary?
How have societal trends changed local planning?
How has the role of technology changed?
How will new planners entering the workforce grapple with current and future challenges?
How can you effectively manage people across generations to bring out the best in your teams?
Recognize the different priorities, needs and perspectives that planners of all generations (Boomer, Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Z) offer local government and the field of planning.
Compare and contrast the perceptions and realities of managing intergenerational teams of planners.
Reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing the next generation of planners.