Leading a Multigenerational Nursing Workforce

Utilizing communication strategies that will work effectively with different generations is a challenge for many nursing leaders (Greene, 2005). Sensitivity to communication differences and preferences across generations can help bridge gaps and create unique solutions that appeal to each generational belief system (Cran, 2005). It is also important to assure that communication is understood, so as to reduce the risk of errors that come with communication failures.

Veteran nurses are comfortable with communication systems that are inclusive and build trust. Face-to-face or written communication will be more effective than communication that involves the use of technology (Duchscher & Cowin, 2004; Weston, 2001; Zemke et al., 2000; Zust, 2001).

Baby Boomers prefer communication that is open, direct, and less formal. As a generation, they enjoy the group processing of information and value staff meetings that provide opportunity for discussion (Zemke et al, 2000). They prefer face-to-face or telephone communication but will use e-mail if they are comfortable with the technology (Duchscher et al, 2004; Weston, 2001; Zust, 2001).

Generation X is the first generation to have television as part of their daily lives; communication that involves technology appeals to them. Their communication approach is bottom line, and they may become bored at meetings that include considerable discussion before decisions are made (Karp et at., 2002).

Millennials have grown up with instant messaging and cellular phones. They like immediate feedback and may become frustrated if their e-mails or telephone messages are not answered quickly (Sacks, 2006). They also enjoy teamwork and appreciate team meetings as a forum for communication. As a group, they read less. Hence distributing lengthy policies and procedures to read may not be effective (Carlson, 2005). E-mails and chat rooms are good mechanisms for providing communication updates for this generation.

Facilitating the growth and development of staff is an important nursing leadership function. Yet in the presence of a generationally diverse workforce, this is not an easy task. Following are summary recommendations for nursing leaders who are leading a multigenerational workforce and enabling that workforce to thrive and to meet tomorrow’s health care challenges:

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 these differences to enhance the work of the entire team.
Greene (2005) has noted that the dismay many nurse leaders express in terms of the changes they see in the workforce today is beside the point in today’s competitive recruitment market. Leadership strategies that have worked well for a less age-diverse nursing workforce may not be as effective in today’s environment. Rather learning to flex one’s style will be critical for both leadership and organizational success.

http://nursingworld.org/ojin/topic30/tpc30_2.htm

AUTHOR
Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, CNAA
E-mail: rsherman@fau.edu