Is our future in the hands of GenX?
I know, a strange question.
Because nobody ever speaks about GenX. Ever.
The world was too busy shifting gears between the Baby Boomers and the Millennials, that they barely ever had the time to look at the generation “in between”. Sharing the destiny of any middle child, GenX grew up with the entire family focusing on their younger and older siblings, while they had to humbly and quietly raise themselves. Overlooked, forgotten, overshadowed, but still powerful, GenX leaders are in senior positions now, pivoting the ever-changing workplace dynamics. And they hold the key to unlocking the potential of today’s intergenerational workforce.
Even now, being well into their late forties to early sixties, GenXers display a unique understanding of older and younger generations outside of work. They are the children of Baby Boomers and the parents of Millennials and/or GenZers. Living under the same roof with these different cohorts is their superpower. This sets them up perfectly for managing the intergenerational workplace and displaying New Age Leadership.
So, let’s break the cycle. Let’s talk about the unique strengths and challenges of GenXers. Let’s give them the airtime they deserve. Let’s unveil the key milestones that define them and how, positioned in leadership roles, they emerge as the crucial intermediaries bridging the generational chasm.
GenX, I know you are listening!
The Forgotten Heroes
Born roughly between the early 1960s and late 1970s (or between 1965 and 1980, as defined by some experts), Generation X has often been overshadowed by the larger-than-life Baby Boomers before them and the tech-savvy Millennials and Gen Z following in their footsteps. Most of the reasons for this lack of attention were indeed their size, at least in the US.
Baby Busters: GenXers announced the end of the decade-long post-war Baby Boom in the US. Due to increased use of birth control and changing family dynamics, especially the inception of female career development, families took charge of their family planning and started having fewer children. Therefore, GenXers were a smaller cohort of the working population compared to Baby Boomers. For financial reasons, the economy kept catering to the generation prior to them, as they were more sizable and wealthier. The needs and expectations of GenXers weren’t met, but they kept expecting the tables to turn, and their turn to come. Unfortunately, it never did…
Latchkey Kids and Trailblazers: Growing up amidst economic uncertainty and social shifts, GenX earned their independence early in life. Raised by working parents, they became the original “latchkey kids,” navigating the challenges of self-reliance from a young age. GenXers spent much of their school years home alone, while their Boomer parents were at work. Unlike Millennials, they had to come by without the cohort of private instructors, math tutors, guitar teachers, and ice-skating coaches. Their parents were focused on generating wealth and building their careers in the booming economy. This fostered resilience and resourcefulness, along with a sense of individualism that other generations could have trouble understanding.
Tech Pioneers: GenX witnessed the rapid rise of technology, from the era of dial-up internet to the advent of personal computers. And they aced the transition with great proficiency. Their journey through the analog and digital realms makes them adept at embracing technological innovations with a unique perspective – a bridge between the past and the future. This especially comes in handy when they are managing intergenerational teams with Boomers and Millennials and/or GenZ. They can easily adjust the lens and understand where each generation is coming from.
Grunge, Hip-Hop, and Cultural Revolution: Could you imagine that they used to be the cool kids on the block? I know, me neither. GenX brought us alternative rock, grunge, and the pulsating beats of hip-hop. This cultural revolution shaped their worldview, fostering a sense of independence, diversity, and a keen eye for social justice. During these times, GenXers saw the collapse of many authority figures, Watergate, the Cold War, Vietnam, and the Fall of the Berlin Wall. Many of them learned that their leaders had failed them, leaving them with an unbridgeable distrust. As a direct consequence, GenXers remained critical and skeptical, making them excellent devil’s advocates. They ask questions and don’t give in until they are fully convinced.
The Intermediaries
Fast forward to today, and GenX finds itself at the helm of organizations, perfectly positioned as intermediaries in the generational saga. Wondering about the role in the new world of work? Here’s how they can step up to save the world:
Balancing Act Between Boomers and New Blood: GenX leaders navigate the corporate landscape with finesse, maintaining a delicate balance between the seasoned wisdom of Baby Boomers and the fresh perspectives brought by Millennials and Gen Z. They understand the value of tradition while championing innovation but also fully get the importance of digital technological solutions. They have enough wisdom and resourcefulness to be taken seriously both by Baby Boomers and by Millennials, an attribute they can use to their advantage. Being the middle child does come with some perks, doesn’t it?
Mentors and Mentees: Having experienced the professional landscape before the digital revolution, GenX leaders act as mentors, guiding younger generations through the nuances of the workplace. GenX leaders can feel the pulse of the social interactions and understand that the whole world does not revolve around them (unlike both Boomer and Millennials). Simultaneously, they are open to learning from the tech-savvy minds of Millennials and Gen Z, creating a symbiotic mentorship dynamic. GenXers play a pivotal role in corporate projects, such as reverse mentoring, as well as establishing early career development initiatives.
Resilience and Adaptability: It is no secret that we are working in times of unprecedented change and uncertainty. Starting from the economic climate, government spending, interest rates, and consumer debt, businesses are facing many headwinds now. GenX leaders embody resilience and adaptability, traits honed during their formative years. These qualities are invaluable in navigating the rapidly changing business landscape and steering organizations through challenges, making them indispensable leaders in times of uncertainty.
As we reflect on the GenX Avengers, it’s evident that they are not just leaders but catalysts for positive change. Even more, GenX is our hidden heroes that are needed to solve the intergenerational equation. So let’s take more time to acknowledge the GenX heroes among us: their unique journey, their resilience, and their pivotal role in shaping the future.
To the GenX Leaders, we salute you!
Monstrously Yours,
Helena
