Collaboration across 6 Generations of Naval Academy grads
11 December 2022
Norfolk, VA --
NWDC’s 6 generations of United States Naval Academy graduates range from class of 1969 to 2019. “Awesome to have a link in the chain within NWDC as Capt Jerry O’Donnel ’69 and LT Britanny Armand ’19 are both at the command, said Mr. Dave MacEslin, class of 1980, “Filling in between the most senior and the most junior we have graduates from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and 00’s”
Note that dates used to define each generation are approximate.
· Generation Z (1997–2012)
· Millennials (1981–1996)
· Generation Xers (1965–1980)
· Baby boomers (1946–1964)
Multigenerational workforce offers significant benefits in terms of a range of experience and creative problem-solving skills. Each generation have different strengths and differences in styles. Varied expectations can sometimes generate tension. For example, a younger generation may prefer to digital information exchange, while older generations may prefer printed materials and having immediate access to the front office to answer their questions.
Although each member of the team has personal strengths, weaknesses, and preferences, what unites NWDC is striving toward a common purpose and goals. NWDC aims to utilize the knowledge of senior staff members to help train and lead younger generations. This is accomplished by developing mentoring programs and classroom opportunities.
When team members rally around a common vision, purpose or goal, there is often a greater sense of unity that, in turn, translates into a better product possible.