I’m sure you are familiar with the terms Baby Boomers and Generations X and Y.
Baby Boomers were born between 1946 and 1964, so they are starting to retire.
Generation X was born between 1965 and 1979. They are now between 28 and 42 years old so many are in managerial positions of authority.
Generation Y was born from 1980 to 1984 and are now between 13 and 27.
There have always been generation gaps, and I’m sure that each generation has thought theirs to be worse than all the previous ones. This time around we might be correct.
It is particularly obvious in the gap between Baby Boomer managers and their Generation X and Y employees. Some managers have found their way around it and have developed wonderfully creative and productive relationships with their younger staff. Collaboration, informality, freedom, feedback and self development seem to be key words.
Others haven’t, and are stuck with old style management practices which value authority, experience, occasional critical feedback, and would never allow Work Life Balance to interfere with getting the job done.
Do you have any experiences you’d like to share, either as a manager or as a Generation X or Y person?
I’d love to hear from you.