Tapping into the Wisdom of the Ages: When Generations Collide

Part 3: Dispelling Generational Stereotypes

“You're a Hippie". “They're "Slackers.” “You're "Phat.”

Today, organizations across the country have four generations working side by side.  In an effort to help everyone get along it is helpful to understand the collective stereotypes we may have about each generation and also know the strengths and benefits each generation naturally brings to work as a result of the "reference points" of their formative years.

Veterans (1900-1945) may be stereotyped as conservative, dictatorial and set in their ways. As we reflect upon the reference points of their formative years, they grew up with a militaristic mindset shaped by War. They lived in hard times. Their natural strengths are stability, detail orientation and thoroughness. They are loyal to their families, employers, friends, church and their country.  They are hard working and will work because it's their duty to do so.

Baby Boomers (1946-1964) have been stereotyped as the "me" generation—they can be self-absorbed, political, trendy and tend to be workaholics—a term they coined. As we reflect upon their formative years, they were born in a BOOMing post war economy. There was more of everything than ever before—including optimism. They are service minded and go the extra mile. They want to please others and take pride in being a team player. If someone calls in sick for work, they are likely to cancel their personal plans and go to work.

Generation X (1965-1980) has been labeled "slackers" and are often seen as disrespectful. They aren't necessarily going to follow the rules, and they could be impatient. Keep in mind the reference points of their formative years and the resulting skepticism brought about by our major American institutions being exposed and scandalized and came crashing down around them. This is the only generation that changed homes, cities, schools and parents with regularity. They had to be adaptable, independent and creative. Authority does not intimidate them since "authority" let them down repeatedly during their lives. They know that collectively we all put our pants on one leg at a time no matter what your status.

Millennials (1981-1999) have been stereotyped as being entitled, having grown up "the easy way.”  Many believe this generation needs to "toughen up" with more discipline and quit being self-absorbed. Their formative years provided them with technology at very young ages, which has given them a savviness unsurpassed by any generation. They use technology to be efficient and multitask. They are the most accepting of diversity than any other generation, having grown up with diverse peoples, places and things their entire lives.

It's important for us to be aware of our generational stereotypes, and dispel the myths so we can truly understand and maximize the benefits of each generation's natural strengths.

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Tapping into the Wisdom of the Ages

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About the Author

Mary Kausch has more than 20 years experience in the human resources and consulting fields. Her company, HR etc!! “helps good people produce great results”. She has become known as St. Louis’s “generational guru,” having worked with more than 13,000 employees across the United States, bridging the gap of generational values, attitudes and behavior expressed in the workplace.