The readings and videos look at Generations in the workplace. In what ways do the characteristics attributed to your generational group describe you? In what ways are you different from the characteristics? As you read, listened to the presentation in class or watched the videos, did you ever say, “Oh, that is so me” or “I don’t fit that characteristic at all”?
I am a Gen Xer. I definitely fit nicely into this group. I have been using technology since I was in 11 years old. I have had a computer in my classroom and/or office for my entire career. I don't know any different. I never had to use a paper gradebook as my gradebook has always been electronic. I have always had the ability to communicate with my students and their parents through email. Technology is a big part of my life both at work and at home.
I was a latchkey kid for part of my childhood. I was lucky in that my mom stayed home early on. Once I was older and in middle school and high school, I did take the bus home on my own and come home to an empty house a few times a week. My parents were never downsized as they are self-employed so I never experienced that.
One characteristic that I definitely relate to is that I do attach to people, not groups. In my career, I have worked with many talented educators. I have had some very strong mentors and would definitely have followed them to other districts. I am loyal to managers/supervisors that I trust and respect. If I don't respect my supervisor, I find it difficult to continue working with them. I want to be mentored and have a strong leader to help me grow in my own practice. I also want to have strong teachers around me and a strong team. I attach to my team as much as I attach to a strong leader. I do believe in leadership based on competence rather than authority. I don't care if you are my boss if I think you are totally incompetent. I'll leave and work some place else because I don't respect incompetence.
I definitely like and appreciate frequent feedback and recognition. If I am doing something well or working hard, I like to hear that positive reinforcement. I also like constructive feedback. It's important to know what I can do better.
I want my supervisor and or my teachers to be truthful and direct. Tell me what you want and when you want it and I'll do it. Give me some specific goals and expectations and I will meet them. I like having a to do list and knowing that I've accomplished tasks. I'm good at multitasking and I do it often. I also like to know "why" I'm doing something. I want to know why this is good for the school or for my students or for my teachers. I want to know why I'm asking my teachers to do something. What's the point and why should I care?
I also understand the balance between work and home life. I want to work hard but efficiently so that I can go home to my family. I will do my job well and give 150% but I'm not going to waste time and be at work til a certain hour just to be there. If I'm done, I'm going to go home.
I enjoyed reading about the 4 generations. I think there is some overlap in the characteristics of each generation which means that we are learning from each other. We all bring strengths and talents to the job and we all have areas for improvement.
I am a Gen Xer. I definitely fit nicely into this group. I have been using technology since I was in 11 years old. I have had a computer in my classroom and/or office for my entire career. I don't know any different. I never had to use a paper gradebook as my gradebook has always been electronic. I have always had the ability to communicate with my students and their parents through email. Technology is a big part of my life both at work and at home.
I was a latchkey kid for part of my childhood. I was lucky in that my mom stayed home early on. Once I was older and in middle school and high school, I did take the bus home on my own and come home to an empty house a few times a week. My parents were never downsized as they are self-employed so I never experienced that.
One characteristic that I definitely relate to is that I do attach to people, not groups. In my career, I have worked with many talented educators. I have had some very strong mentors and would definitely have followed them to other districts. I am loyal to managers/supervisors that I trust and respect. If I don't respect my supervisor, I find it difficult to continue working with them. I want to be mentored and have a strong leader to help me grow in my own practice. I also want to have strong teachers around me and a strong team. I attach to my team as much as I attach to a strong leader. I do believe in leadership based on competence rather than authority. I don't care if you are my boss if I think you are totally incompetent. I'll leave and work some place else because I don't respect incompetence.
I definitely like and appreciate frequent feedback and recognition. If I am doing something well or working hard, I like to hear that positive reinforcement. I also like constructive feedback. It's important to know what I can do better.
I want my supervisor and or my teachers to be truthful and direct. Tell me what you want and when you want it and I'll do it. Give me some specific goals and expectations and I will meet them. I like having a to do list and knowing that I've accomplished tasks. I'm good at multitasking and I do it often. I also like to know "why" I'm doing something. I want to know why this is good for the school or for my students or for my teachers. I want to know why I'm asking my teachers to do something. What's the point and why should I care?
I also understand the balance between work and home life. I want to work hard but efficiently so that I can go home to my family. I will do my job well and give 150% but I'm not going to waste time and be at work til a certain hour just to be there. If I'm done, I'm going to go home.
I enjoyed reading about the 4 generations. I think there is some overlap in the characteristics of each generation which means that we are learning from each other. We all bring strengths and talents to the job and we all have areas for improvement.