Many of Market Viewpoint’s clients ask me how to keep their staff, especially their superstars, engaged and excited about their work. Most managers, if they truly see themselves as coaches, will take responsibility for motivating their staff. But this can be a difficult task. What works for one individual doesn’t seem to work for another. When I am asked why this happens, my question back to the manager is, “Have you ever really considered who you are trying to motivate?” Employees come from different generational groups – all inspired to achieve by different things. Is it possible that you are taking a “one size fits all” approach to motivation?

Consider these steps. Segment your staff into generational groups (Traditionalists, Baby Boomer, Generation X, or Millennial). Know that the motivational hot buttons are different for each group, so be prepared to be flexible with your approach.

The Millennials on your staff are motivated by tangible and intangible rewards that represent immediate satisfaction. Think gift cards and free meals.

Generation X values rewards that give them freedom. Think relaxed dress codes and flexible leave policies.

Baby Boomers, on the other hand, are motivated by financial rewards and job recognition. Think bonuses and corner office space for this group. While the Traditionalists, or World War II generation are motivated by things such as abbreviated work weeks and alternative work schedules.

All of the generations are motivated by recognition. That pat on the back that lets someone know they are doing a good job is important for all.

Meet with your employees on an individual basis to understand what they value and where they are at this phase of their lives. Use your mystery shops to determine the things people are really good at and explore these areas in depth.

To find out more about how Market Viewpoint can help you motivate your employees, contact us today. A motivated staff is just a phone call away!

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The Millennial Generation is the group that we researchers know the least about. It is simply too early to tell what they will accomplish but they are being touted as the “Next Great Generation” by Howe and Strauss who are famous researchers on the topic of the Millennial Generation.

This generation has been influenced by the likes of Prince William, Chelsea Clinton, Ricky Martin, The Williams Sisters, and the Teletubbies.

This is a unique group and much is expected of them since they can learn so much from all the generations that have come before them. The core values of this group include optimism, civic duty, confidence, achievement, sociability, morality, street smarts, and diversity. Quite an impressive list.

If Millennials are a part of your target market or you employ Millennials, you have an interesting challenge ahead of you. This group has much to offer and they are in a hurry to make their mark.

Knowing what core values drive the actions of your customers and the things that motivate them to buy should be an important factor in your marketing plan and customer retention strategy. Analyze your customer base and be clear with your marketing messages. The implications are far-reaching and could result in better customer retention rates for your organization.

To schedule a “Generations In the Workplace” seminar contact us at angela@marketviewpoint.com.

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To help our readers fine tune their customer retention strategies, we are dedicating this month’s posts to gaining a better understanding of the four generations that make up today’s marketplace. This week, we take a look at the Baby Boom generation, also known as the “Me Generation”. This is a consumer group born between 1946 and 1964. They are anywhere from 45 to 63 years of age and are a generation that is all about “rights” – mine, yours, women’s rights, civil rights, reproductive rights, and the rights of Mother Earth. It’s no wonder that Baby Boomer Al Gore is as concerned about our planet as he is. The single biggest influence on this group was the television, but bell bottoms, mood rings, Apollo rockets, and the peace sign also rocked this generation.

Key words used to describe this generation are competitive and optimistic. They are an optimistic generation because they know that achieving the seemingly impossible can happen. This generation accepted and achieved the challenge to put a man on the moon. They are a competitive generation because there are so darn many of them – 80 million who wield $1.6 trillion dollars of buying power.

Knowing what excites your customers and motivates them to buy should be an important factor in your marketing plan and customer retention strategy. Analyze your customer base and be clear with your marketing messages. The implications are far-reaching and could result in better customer retention rates for your organization.

To schedule a “Generations In the Workplace” seminar contact us at angela@marketviewpoint.com.

• Like what you read? Digg, Stumble or Tweet this post!
• Market Viewpoint …helping you see your business through your customers’ eyes.
• Follow Angela Megasko, president of Market Viewpoint on Twitter today! www.twitter.com/AngelaMegasko