Generational Differences

1. Generational Differences Planning requires a good understanding of the stakeholders implementing the plan or impacted by it. Marketing & PR

2. Generational Differences“Long-civic” Generation • Age 60+ • Grew up in times of scarcity (Great Depression, World Wars) – banded together for survival • Place importance on Affiliation – spending time with people of similar backgrounds and experiences • More time than money • Usually agricultural or manufacturing background • Accustomed to working in a hierarchical environment – position and titles are important • Past accomplishments have meaning Marketing & PR

3. Generational DifferencesBoomers, GenX, GenY, Milleniums • Age 55-, particularly true for 40- • Grew up in times of plenty – 24 hour stores, technology, instant communication, etc. • Place importance on Achievement – relationships are valuable, but secondary • More money than time • Usually knowledge worker or service background • Accustomed to working in a flat environment – everyone’s ideas and opinions have equal value • Past accomplishments are less meaningful – what have you done for me lately? Marketing & PR

4. Generational DifferencesTruths About Younger Generations • Time is very limited – anything they do must have “meaning” • Will spend $$ on things they think are important • Live in the 21st century – communications, socializing • Not looking for more “friends” – by the time you meet them, relationships already established • Multi-cultural, raised with equality, generally less religious, little patience for bigotry and intolerance • Less respect for authority – government and business corruption has taught them not to trust • Not “slackers” – actually more productive than earlier generations Marketing & PR

5. Chapter Differences - Affiliation Chapters • Generally older members with average age increasing • Frequent socializing during and after rehearsals with low riser discipline • Less attention to singing quality – low audition standards and members sing “for fun”, not for specific goals • Low contest scores or not participating in contests at all • Difficulty attracting younger members and high-quality directors • High “churn rate” – most new members don’t stay longer than 2 years, because their needs aren’t being met Marketing & PR

6. Chapter Differences- Achievement Chapters • Generally younger members with average age static • Socializing limited to outside rehearsal times with high riser discipline • Strong focus on singing quality – specific goals defined and new goals set as prior goals are achieved • Moderate to high contest scores, frequent coaching to improve contest performance • Little difficulty in attracting younger members and high-quality directors • Lower “churn rate” – high audition standards ensure dedicated new members with needs being met Marketing & PR

7. Chapter Differences - Know Who You Are • Be honest with yourself • Most chapters are Affiliation chapters, but portray themselves as Achievement chapters • What are your contest and performance goals? • How hard are you willing to work to reach them? • Are you doing it, or just talking about it? • Are you meeting the needs of your members? Of the prospective members you’re recruiting? • Remember: a good Affiliation chapter is JUST AS VALUABLE as an Achievement chapter, but you must be MEETING THE NEEDS of Affiliation members Marketing & PR

8. Chapter DifferencesBecoming What You Want To Be • Recognize that the needs of Affiliation and Achievement members are very different • Accept that very few chapters can meet both needs successfully • Define “what you want to be when you grow up” – If you’re not there, what has to change? • If you decide to change: be prepared to lose members, perhaps many Marketing & PR