Generation X brings mad skillz to the table
Faris Alami
Issue date: 3/11/08 Section: Perspectives
Generation X. For many Baby Boomers, this well-known label evokes images of rebellious, independent youth. To some extent, that classification might have been true 10 years ago. After all, Gen Xers came of age during extreme economic and social changes, including a skyrocketing divorce rate and the highest number of abortions in history. Growing up during a volatile economic time, they watched their parents lose jobs at companies where they dedicated their entire careers. Today, even the youngest members of the most misunderstood generation are adults, and although they're only half the size of the Baby Boomer generation, this group of 24 to 40-year-olds is making a lasting impression on today's workplace.
Members of Generation X are often viewed as knowledgeable, independent and balanced. Unlike their Boomer parents who embrace a concensus-style of leadership, and the Traditionalists, whose leadership structure is modeled after the military, Gen Xers look for competence among their supervisors and mentors. When hiring Gen Xers, be prepared to earn their respect, not the other way around. Don't worry though, this group expects to be held accountable to their own expectations, so when working with a Gen Xer, describe the desired outcome but leave the process up to them, meaning no micromanaging. With their business savvy and technological acumen, Gen Xers often exceed expectations.
As the most independent generation, Gen Xers are very resourceful and don't believe any person or institution will see them through. As children, they were the latchkey kids responsible for taking care of themselves after school until their parents made it home from work. This independence carries over into the workplace where, after their parents lost jobs following years of loyal employment, they learned that dedicating one's career to a single company doesn't always pay off. Many managers are leery of hiring members of Generation X, fearing that after a year or two on the job they'll abandon ship for a more lucrative offer, but this generalization isn't necessarily true.
Members of Generation X are often viewed as knowledgeable, independent and balanced. Unlike their Boomer parents who embrace a concensus-style of leadership, and the Traditionalists, whose leadership structure is modeled after the military, Gen Xers look for competence among their supervisors and mentors. When hiring Gen Xers, be prepared to earn their respect, not the other way around. Don't worry though, this group expects to be held accountable to their own expectations, so when working with a Gen Xer, describe the desired outcome but leave the process up to them, meaning no micromanaging. With their business savvy and technological acumen, Gen Xers often exceed expectations.
As the most independent generation, Gen Xers are very resourceful and don't believe any person or institution will see them through. As children, they were the latchkey kids responsible for taking care of themselves after school until their parents made it home from work. This independence carries over into the workplace where, after their parents lost jobs following years of loyal employment, they learned that dedicating one's career to a single company doesn't always pay off. Many managers are leery of hiring members of Generation X, fearing that after a year or two on the job they'll abandon ship for a more lucrative offer, but this generalization isn't necessarily true.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 14
Your Boss
posted 3/11/08 @ 9:15 PM EST
"When hiring Gen Xers, be prepared to earn their respect, not the other way around."
That will go over really well.
Konini
Konini
posted 3/12/08 @ 2:13 AM EST
@ Your boss. Baby boomer?
Gen X are instantly recognizable. Crisp blue jeans, leather loafers, leather belt, white clean shirt (newish), neatly cut hair, water, laptop, air ticket. (Continued…)
Taco Gonzales
posted 3/13/08 @ 2:22 AM EST
Generation X isn't willing to make such sacrifices, as many realize this extreme dedication to work didn't satisfy their own parents. .....
Oh Si! You Generacion equis don't want to sacrifice! You don't want to respecta el boss. (Continued…)
Donald Trump
posted 3/13/08 @ 2:55 AM EST
What sort of jobs are these GenXers being hired for where they can demand respect first? What kind of business saavy and technical acumen are GenXers universally endowed with?
Sorry, but working for your parents on the weekend at an Arabic gas station, knowing which cigarettes you should order is hardly "business saavy. (Continued…)
Burger King
posted 3/13/08 @ 3:29 AM EST
"so when working with a Gen Xer, describe the desired outcome but leave the process up to them, meaning no micromanaging."
You ate one too many hamburgers at Burger King. (Continued…)
Konini
Jo
posted 3/13/08 @ 4:33 AM EST
Logging in to follow the conversation.
Jo
posted 3/13/08 @ 9:49 AM EST
My last comment vanished?
Why the anger? What's up?
Gen X are currently managing (they are not begging for jobs) and Gen Y are beginning too. There is no point in ranting - we arrive on an assembly line called age imbued with two things: our prior experiences and our expectations reinforced by our peers. (Continued…)
Dour GenX
posted 3/13/08 @ 10:30 AM EST
"Gen X are their kids...They are now 35 - 50... More than likely they are a little bit dour - more just now. For a prototype think Princess Diana. She took royalty to the people - a huge social conscience and adored. (Continued…)
Jo
posted 3/13/08 @ 10:44 AM EST
@ Dour Gen X
Obviously not making enough money!
Jo
posted 3/13/08 @ 10:46 AM EST
@ Dour GenX
Obviously not making enough money!
And to the BB, Gen X or Gen Y running the site, please ask a millenium to do something about our security procedures. (Continued…)
Post a Comment