"Developing a Peer Mentoring Program for Generations X and Y"

As the business world prepares for the mass exodus of the Baby Boom generation, agencies struggle with an upcoming talent shortage and concerns that institutional knowledge will walk out the door with the Boomers. One highly effective program that will expedite knowledge transfer and assure a smooth transition between generations is a peer mentoring program that matches Baby Boomers (or Traditionalists) with peer employees in Generations X and Y. To be effective, first there must be clear goals for the mentoring program. (Knowledge transfer, Grooming of high potential employees or a Method to familiarize new employees or "how business is done around here.") There must be training on valuing generational differences and a tool box must be provided for mentors and mentees alike. Many agencies report conflicts between generations causing communication difficulties, hindering productivity and resulting in a lack of respect between generations. (A SHRMŪ Generational Differences Survey Report, 2004, reported that 20% of HR professionals report that employees believe that coworkers of different generations do not respect them.) A peer mentoring program can create an environment where the generations treat each other as colleagues, nurturing trust through the development of solid intergenerational peer relationships. This session with discuss key generational differences between generations, generational stereotyping traps, and how to develop a peer mentoring program.

Daryl Ann Moore, MBA, SPHR, IPMA-CP Recognized for her ability to ignite the passion in those Daryl Ann coaches and trains, this consultant always inspires those around her. Before launching Blu Ice Consulting, she served as the Director of Human Resources for both the City of Henderson, Nevada, and the City of Davenport, Iowa. She is a continuous learner who holds numerous certifications, including dual certifications in Leadership Development and Organizational Development from DePaul University in conjunction with Linkage Inc. She is a certified trainer for the Blanchard Situational Leadership II, many of the Covey Leadership Programs (including the Seven Habits of Highly Successful People and Leading Across Generations) and she is a graduate of the College of Executive Coaching. She has presented at national and regional conferences in the areas of talent management, change management and executive coaching. She holds an MBA from St. Ambrose University and has completed all coursework toward a doctorate in Business Administration (ABD) through Northcentral University. She serves as an adjunct faculty member at Regis University in the areas of Leadership and Change Management and Human Resource Management. She holds both an SHPR and an IPMA-CP. She is the Managing Syngerist for Blu Ice Consulting.