Generalizing Generations: Why it Doesn’t Work
Lately the generational divide has been a topic front and center, in conferences, the press, blogs... We are surprised, and a little concerned with the assumptions about millennials that are being offered up as the “capital T” truth.
If you look at the press and commentary you’d think that Millennials (insert zombies) are coming in mass to get us. They will soon take over business as we know it, booting out boomers, trampling Gen Xers, and demanding every entitlement under the sun.
So we thought we’d add to the chatter with different perspectives, from all sides of the generational divide.
From Stacey Engle, the Millennial:
Sure some millennials can be needy at times - wanting feedback on a very regular basis. And yes, some millennials think they deserve their promotions before they have shown impact in their roles. Others not so much.
As a generation, we do love our technology and continually improving our devices and toys. The thing is – many of us work as many hours as necessary to tackle a tough challenge. We want opportunity to make impact. We want access, and frankly, are scared that we won't be able to have the influence needed. Imagine that.
We are all very aware of global issues in our hyper-connected world. And we ask: How will those be solved? Well, we are going to acknowledge they exist. We want to be the problem solvers. We are ready to take action. We also do not necessarily believe that gamification and technology need to be inserted to make it worth our while.
So, please bring us along with you, Gen Xer’s. We want to be sitting at the table making decisions with you. AND we are going to expect you to act and fully commit to the changes you’ve agreed are needed. We won’t take excuses from you. After all, we want to trail blaze with you. We are the next generation of leaders, you know.
And Boomers, more than ever, we crave working with you. After all, you taught us everything we know for the most part. You are our parents, and now you are our future coaches. We need you to guide us in what we don't know, so we can truly bring something new to the table.
And unlike popular opinion, we would be happy to talk more about it face-to-face.
From Halley Bock, the Gen Xer:
Uh, hello? Remember us? The ones commonly referred to as “latch key kids”? {ahem}
Okay, sure. Even though we like to come off as tough, we may feel forgotten and voiceless in this battle between generations. And, yes, we can come off as self-absorbed as our desire for change occasionally trumps relationships. But “slackers”, we are not.
We hunger for diversity, for changing the system, for achieving some sense of balance in a lop-sided world. We have utmost respect and gratitude for our parents who worked themselves to the bone so we could enjoy a richer life. And we appreciate the younger set as they continue to push the momentum for a more connected world forward.
We want to work with both of you, Boomers and Millennials, to help bridge any gaps of skillset and mindset so we can all come out on top. We found our way, Millennials, so relax… you will too. It isn’t the Boomers who are making it difficult; it’s your perception of them that’s getting in your way.
And Boomers, thank you for your ongoing resilience. If ever a generation has shown an ability to withstand change, it’s you. Keep going in that direction. And, hey, give these kids a break every once in a while, okay?
From Christine Douglas, the Boomer:
Sure some of us are a little scared, the rules of engagement are changing. We are not as comfortable with digital as we should be. We are staying in our jobs longer and want the security of choosing to stay. We still think face time at work (and we’re willing to put in a lot of it) is the only time that counts. We fear our experience may no longer be valued. And we're a little unsure about the idea of a global generational society.
And others of us welcome this new and fresh perspective. We are rolling up our sleeves and jumping into the digital world. We love the freedom of being untethered in the old traditional ways. We don’t fear our worth and want to have our perspectives challenged. We don’t see the need for putting in time before you can have a voice at the table, and that multiple, often competing realities (insert generations) lead to better decisions and innovation….
And, after all, both Gen X and Millennials are our children and we think we’ve done a damn good job raising them.
Our findings... the generational divide is not so big. While media will always make a big stink about competing generations, the truth is we need each other. It’s a win-win for all. Learn more about Fierce Generations Training here.
Stacey Engle, Vice President of Marketing, Fierce, Inc.
Halley Bock, President & CEO, Fierce, Inc.
Christine Douglas, SVP Client Solutions & Global Partnerships, Fierce, Inc.