Blog

Generation X was born between 1965 and 1980. A population of 55 million, Generation X is a much smaller group than the Baby Boomer generation which came before them.

Gen Xers grew up in a time of economic insecurity, corporate layoffs and downsizing. They saw the fall of the Berlin Wall, the hostage crisis in Iran, the Gulf War and the rise of AIDS. They were often called the MTV Generation. They played Atari and were the first to move from typewriters to computers.

Gen X children were also the first generation to see the divorce of their own parents or their friends’ parents. Gen Xers are the first generation to be independent from a young age, often due to living in a single parent household or having two working parents.

As a result of their experience growing up, Gen Xers are independent in the workplace as well. While they are committed to doing a great job at work, they do not want to be micromanaged. They are creative yet strategic thinkers. They are more informal, more flexible and more computer savvy than the generations before them. Gen Xers are used to change so they tend to embrace it more easily.

Here are a few tips for communicating with Gen X:

• Be direct and straightforward:
• Show respect for their time; avoid too much small talk
• When presenting, start with the bottom line
• Tell them upfront what you need or expect from them
• Do your homework and be prepared to be challenged
• Determine the next steps prior to the meeting’s conclusion
• Ask for their preference on moving forward

Once Gen Xers understand the need for change and the reason behind it, they will be your number one driver of that change and be a prime resource in overcoming obstacles along the way.

Gen Xers have several strengths they can offer in today’s workplace. Show them they are respected and valued.