Meagan Johnson - Generational Speaker

Solve Your Challenges and Bridge the Gap between Generations at Your Multigenerational Workforce

Generational Challenges

Earth Day: A Blast from the Past, A Mission for the Future

Happy (slightly belated) Earth Day! Yes, I know we’re a day late, but like any good party, it’s never too late to join in. Speaking of parties, did you know the whole Earth Day shindig started 54 years ago? Let’s take a trip down memory lane, then bring this eco-party into 2024!

Earth Day: The OG Environmental Throwdown

Picture this: the year is 1970, the Shag is in, and pants are bell-bottomed… A whole lot of folks are becoming fed up with pollution, oil spills, and a general disregard for the planet. 

Then, the hero we all needed shows up… Senator Gaylord Nelson, a passionate environmentalist, executes a radical idea. He rallied 20 MILLION Americans (hippies to housewives, students to suits) for the first-ever Earth Day on April 22nd, 1970! 

Back then, recycling was sort of a fringe concept and “clean energy” sounded like something out of Star Trek. But guess what? That massive Earth Day demonstration sparked a revolution. It led to laws like the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency! Phew… talk about the power of our collective.

Fast forward to today, and our planet is still facing challenges. But here’s the thing, every generation brings something unique to this continuous endeavor…

  • Boomers: You were there at the beginning! Share stories of the first Earth Day, remind us of the progress we’ve made, and inspire us with your reduce-and-reuse wisdom.
  • Gen X: Gen X, you’re the original resourceful rebels. From latchkey childhoods to the dawn of the internet mess, you learned to navigate a world with limited options. This translates surprisingly well to eco-living!  Help us cut through the greenwashing and embrace your knack for fixing things instead of tossing them.
  • Millennials: Whether it’s supporting local businesses, ditching fast fashion, or going vegan – your focus on ethical and sustainable choices is inspiring. Keep making the world a better place, one conscious purchase at a time.
  • Gen Z: You are the fearless activists, the social media warriors, and the proof that the next generation isn’t messing around. Continue using your voices, demanding change, and showing us that the future of the planet is in good hands.

Teamwork Makes The Eco-Dream Work

An awesome aspect about Earth Day is the reminder of our collective impact and power when working together. We all have a role to play, from small daily habits to demanding systemic change.

Here are a few ideas:

  • Avoid single-use stuff (straws, cups, etc.)
  • Support local, sustainable businesses
  • Turn off unnecessary lights and unplug unused appliances
  • Read up on an environmental issue, watch an eco-documentary, or journal about your connection to nature
  • Walk, bike, or use public transit, even for one trip

Earth Day FYI

“Our goal is not just an environment of clean air and water and scenic beauty. The objective is an environment of decency, quality and mutual respect for all other human beings and all living creatures.” – Gaylord Nelson 

Your Earth Day Challenge

Let’s ditch the generational stereotypes and inspire each other! What’s ONE Earth-friendly change you can try this week, inspired by another generation?

Until next time… keep on laughing, learning, and leaving this planet better than we found it.

Humor as a Secret Weapon Against the Generational Gap

LOL @ Work

Why is Humor Your Secret Weapon Against the Generational Gap?

We all know work comes with a myriad of emotions. Navigating a multi-generational workforce, tight deadlines, and challenging projects are all part of the experience. As a generational expert and humorist, humor is an important element that often goes overlooked! Like using a coworker or friend’s first name, laughter goes a long way and has a big impact on us. Studies have actually shown that employees with a humorous outlook are better able to handle workplace stressors, demonstrating increased resilience and adaptability. “When you start to laugh, it doesn’t just lighten your load mentally, it actually induces physical changes in your body,” the Mayo Clinic explains. 

Both in the workforce and at home, it’s important to recognize that each generation has their own unique senses of humor. Understanding these differences is the first step to finding humor that connects, not divides. Think of each generation like a different comedy club…

  • Boomers: Appreciate puns, classic sitcom references, and probably have a “Far Side” cartoon taped to their cubicle.
  • Gen X: Masters of sarcasm, irony, and pop culture references from the good ol’ days (aka the 90s).
  • Millennials: Internet natives – think witty tweets, workplace memes, and a deep understanding of how to turn any situation into a GIF.
  • Gen Z: Absurdity is their jam. We’re talking unexpected twists, niche internet humor, and a vocabulary you probably need Urban Dictionary to decipher!

The Leader’s Secret Weapon

Can leaders use humor as a secret weapon at a workplace?

Studies suggest that employees working under managers with a good sense of humor report higher job satisfaction, commitment, and a sense of belonging within the workplace! A sense of humor combined with a dose of good judgment can motivate teams, defuse tense situations, and make even tough feedback easier to digest. 

Humor is more than just about making jokes and having fun; it can also spark creativity and problem-solving in the workplace. A playful atmosphere encourages employees to think outside the box, consider unconventional solutions, and take calculated risks. Research from Wharton Business School shares that humor and lightheartedness can lead to enhanced problem-solving ability and innovative thinking!

Important Considerations

With all that being said, workplace humor must be used thoughtfully. What’s funny to one person may be offensive or hurtful to another. Here are a few tips to consider for positive, effective humor:

  • Lead by Example: If you’re in a leadership position, don’t be afraid to show your humorous side. It makes you relatable and sets a positive tone.
  • Inclusive, not divisive: Avoid jokes that target individuals or groups based on race, gender, sexual orientation, age, or any other personal characteristic.
  • Read the room: Know your audience and the situation. Consider the age ranges and general personalities of your coworkers.
  • Celebrate Wins with Laughter: Share a funny meme or GIF when a coworker achieves a goal, showing appreciation in a lighthearted way.
  • Unsure? Play It Safe: If your gut says “maybe not,” it’s probably right.

When implemented responsibly, humor is a powerful tool in the modern workplace. It reduces stress, strengthens relationships, fosters creativity, and ultimately contributes to a more positive and productive work environment. So, the next time you’re tempted to connect over a silly TikTok or some outdated meme with a colleague, remember – you might just be doing your job a whole lot better! 

Celebrating Diversity Month in the Workplace

April might be known for spring showers and the occasional tax headache, but were you aware that April is also Celebrating Diversity Month?

As a generational enthusiast with a passion for bridging the generational gap, I’m excited to share more about celebrating diversity in the workplace, both in April and year-round!  

Celebrating Diversity Month

Celebrating Diversity Month

If we’re being real, the generational gap can sometimes feel wider than the Grand Canyon when we interact with one another! Baby Boomers might be muttering about “kids these days” while Gen Z wraps their brains around fax machines still being a thing. At the end of the day, each generation brings a unique set of skills, perspectives, and experiences to the table.

Let’s take a quick minute to review…

  • Baby Boomers [Born 1946-1964]: Renowned for their work ethic and leadership qualities, Baby Boomers provide stability and a wealth of experience.
  • Gen X [Born 1965-1980]: Self-reliant and adaptable, Gen X thrives in independent roles and excels at problem-solving.
  • Millennials [Born 1981-1996]: Digitally native and collaborative, Millennials bring fresh ideas, a passion for purpose, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
  • Gen Z [Born 1997-2012]: Born into a digital world, Gen Z is adept at social media engagement, creative content creation, and innovative solutions.
Working in a multi-generational workforce

Working in a Multi-Generational Workforce

Working in a multi-generational workforce, we’re reminded of constant change and it can sometimes feel overwhelming keeping up. As we navigate diversity, in the workplace and outside of it, patience and open mindedness are key. Make time to ask questions and avoid making assumptions. Let’s consider these 5 tips: 

These are just a few ways you can begin fostering conversations and collaboration in the workplace.

Diversity in the Workplace

Ultimately, diversity is just the first key in the recipe for a successful workplace. Inclusion is the secret ingredient that binds everything together. Recognize and reward employees who demonstrate open-mindedness, collaboration across generations, and a healthy respect for differences. Foster a space where everyone feels safe to speak their minds, share ideas, and challenge the status quo. Celebrate diversity in all its forms – age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and ability.

For any generational issues or questions, you always have Gen-Expert Meagan Johnson. Reach out by email, direct message, or even a traditional phone call. Until then, stay open-minded and keep Zapping the Generational Gap!

Why Do Different Generations React So Differently to Coronavirus

Recently I was asked by a journalist with the Indy Star, ‘Why different generations react so differently to coronavirus?’

Unfortunately, the majority of us have become intimately familiar with something most of us had never heard of 6 months ago. Many of us are currently using terms like Social Distancing, Shelter in Place and Self Isolation on a daily, if not hourly basis. 

It only makes sense that a cataclysmic event such as the coronavirus, like significant Generational Touchstones in the past, would provoke a variety of reactions.

There has been a lot of criticism thrown toward the younger generations, Millennials & Generation Z, about their laissez-faire attitude when it comes to taking the virus seriously. On the flip side of the generational coin, there are segments of older generations who seem to have a sense of pride in ignoring the social guidelines everyone has been asked to follow to stop the spread of the disease. 

So, which generation is behaving the worst or best when it comes to the coronavirus?

coronavirus and how generations react

The answer is all the generations are both winners and losers when it comes to adhering to the new coronavirus social guidelines (CSG).

Often during my presentations, I have discovered different generational segments want to place blame, (or credit) for an experience on another generation’s shoulders. Situations are never so black and white. Generational discord and harmony stem from a variety of factors including, but not limited to; Generational Signposts, Corporate Culture, and Leadership.

The important takeaways in any challenging situation are thoughtfulness of others, confidence in our decisions and inclusion of a diverse group of people upon whom we can lean.

If you currently find yourself at home, and you have binge-watched as much Netflix as you can handle, I would like to offer a complimentary copy of my book, Generations Inc. From Boomers to Linksters- Managing the Friction Between Generations at work. If you already own a copy, what about a Generational T-Shirt? Something you can wear as part of your new work-from-home uniform! 

Just send me an email to Meagan@MeaganJohnson.com

If you are thinking about holding a meeting virtually, I can provide training for your team on generational issues at a reasonable cost. The presentation, much like the in-person program includes PowerPoint, program customization and a Generational Decoder Card for all attendees.

Contact my associate, Kathie Pillard at 800-759-4933 to make the arrangements.

How to Zap the Gap between Generations in the Workplace

Meagan discussed the Generational Differences and the generations in the workplace. Each generation is shaped by the generational signposts.

So what does that mean in the workplace?

Each generation has different expectations. Expectations in their lives, the workplace, as well as in the relationships.

Meagan discussed baby boomers, Gen X, Gen Y, as well as Millennials in the workplace.

NOTE: Please excuse the quality of the audio as this interview took place at a corporate office during working hours.