By Tony
Deblauwe
Looking at the age diversity conversations going into 2010, I came across
articles by Sally
Kane of About.com to compare Gen X and Gen Y characteristics (click on each
header link to read full article). Each description creates a unique perspective
of how the generations are summarized and profiled.
Gen X
traits:
- Individualistic
- Technologically Adept
- Flexible
- Value Work/Life Balance
50M
estimated population
What’s been said about Gen X?:
Wisegeek.com
post: “Members of this generation, wrought in the shadow of the Baby Boomers,
felt alienated and disenfranchised by the cultural icons of the time. “X” described
the lack of identity that members of Generation X felt — they didn’t know where
they belonged, but knew for sure that they weren’t a part of the overbearing
generation of Baby Boomers. The media played its part in promoting the
Generation X stereotype by portraying them as grunge-listening,
Starbucks-drinking, flannel-donning slackers who were quietly revolting against
their overachieving, conservative Baby Boomer parents or older siblings. While
Gen-Xers probably feel passionate about some things, in general they have been
portrayed as apathetic, disaffected twentysomethings with no course in life.”
- Family-Centric
- Achievement-Oriented
-
Team-Oriented
- Attention-Craving
80M estimated population
What’s been said about Gen Y?:
Sciencecareers.sciencemag.org
post: “More than any earlier generation, millennials have had nurturing
parents, and they expect that nurturing, and the personal growth that results,
to continue. They want to be closely mentored and to be given opportunities to
gain new skills. Many watched their parents remain loyal to a company only to
be made redundant in the 1990s recession.”
Overall
what is the shift between the generations? Is the nurturing and over-attention
paid to Gen Y a reflection of creating an identity that Gen X craved but
lacked? Is it really a shift in technology to collaborate and communicate easier
that is the bridge? Or is it changes in jobs and working arrangements that
allowed parents more flexibility in family time?
It’s
interesting to note how societal and technological shifts impact generational behaviors
and stereotypes. For employers dealing with generational flux, the key is to
get ahead by leveraging your assets – in this case the greatest asset – people.
By understanding the similarities in approach and style between the
generations, not the differences, employers can maintain competitive advantage.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Post your comments on the similarities
between Gen X and Gen Y
