"What we see depends mainly on what we look for."
John Lubbock (1834-1913);
Biologist, Politician
According the Bureau of Labor Statistics the current 60 million Baby Boomers in the US workforce make up roughly 38% of the workplace with most of them holding upper management positions. Gen X with 51 million members makes up 32% of the workplace and Gen Y with 40 million members is suddenly on the map making up 25% of the workplace. The Traditionalists Generation born before 1945 makes up less than 5% of the workforce today. As you can see from these numbers, Generation X is caught in the middle between the large Boomer generation and the soon-to-be-large Generation Y.
Let me explain some of the tendencies of each generation:
Boomers (born between 1946-1964) are often willing to work 80 hours for 40 hours pay because they needed to stand out in the boom of babies born every 17 minutes for 20 years. Hard work was the way they got noticed and advanced in their job. Many Boomer managers or leaders have a consensus style of leadership and want to get groups involved in decision making as much as possible. They often prefer the "people' side of business with face-to-face interaction and are often optimistic about their ability to solve personal and professional problems.
Generation Xers (born between 1965-1980) tend to be independent thinkers who grew up as latch key kids. In other words, they learned how to take care of themselves after school from 3 pm to 6 pm each day as Mom and Dad worked. They gained a sense of "No Fear" in life and became skeptical of authority as they watched their parents work 80 hours for 40 hours of pay and then get laid off from their jobs without an apology. They are cyber literate and prefer work life balance.
Generation Y (born between 1981-2001) tend to be more optimistic like their Boomer parents and were brought up to believe they are very special. They are also cyber literate but most had a close relationship with their parents and are expecting the same at their workplace. They want work-life balance as well but also prefer receiving the type of praise at work that they received at home.
So, what is happening with Generation X and their difficulty with receiving advancements in their job? Here are some of my thoughts:
- Fortunately or unfortunately, you are working for the generation in charge. If you work for a Boomer, there may be an expectation of going the extra mile. Showing up early and leaving late are trademarks of this generation. As a Gen Xer, you may need to put in this extra effort to get noticed and promoted. Also, face- to- face communication and soft skills will go a long way in getting noticed. Instead of zipping a short email to your Boomer boss, try stopping by their office or picking up the phone to explain your work. Look your boss in the eye and take notes when they speak to show your respect for what they are saying.
- Be patient. Many Baby Boomers did not save enough for retirement or they find themselves in deep debt. In addition they may have a "work-a-holic" mentality that does not allow for retirement any time soon. If you can continue to work hard and get good results while interacting well with others, you will have a shot at the management position..... someday.
- Start your own company. Many Gen Xers have a deep desire to be an entrepreneur so now may be the perfect time. If you have experienced the workplace and understand what it takes to make a business successful, why not break out on your own and call the shots!
- Change jobs and work for a Gen X boss. There are plenty of organizations that are advancing Generation X into leadership roles and your best fit may be with a boss that thinks like you and has the same values of work/life balance.
Finally, if you find your organization or boss promoting less competent workers, regardless of age, because they are family or friends, this is a great time to reevaluate your career with this organization. Just make certain that your lack of advancement isn't because of your quality of work or inability to play well with others.
Question for You:
Are you feeling trapped at your current organization as Boomers are reluctant to retire and a new workforce is creating more competition for fewer management roles?
Answer for You:
Find time to meet with your boss and get concrete feedback on your performance. Ask if you are being considered for management positions and take the feedback to heart. Review past performance evaluations to see if you missed an opportunity for improvement. Make any changes that are necessary to improve and consider trying the alternatives listed above.
"What may look like a small act of courage is courage nevertheless. The important thing is to be willing to take a step forward."
Dr. Daisaku Ikeda Educator, Buddhist Philosopher
