Archive for the ‘Generational Gap’ Category

Several days ago I wrote a post titled, “Are Baby Boomers Overstaying Their Welcome?”  Since then I keep reading and hearing most instances of resentment from Gen Xers.  And just a few minutes ago, I read this post by Kim Luisi, a Gen X report for Examiner.com.  Her comments were sharp and critical but not unlike those I’m hearing consistently from other Gen X:

So why don’t they retire already and leave the rest of us alone? Think of Bill Clinton and his embarrassment to Hillary’s campaign. He just didn’t know when to quit. The whole boomer generation is my Bill Clinton. Thanks guys, you’ve been a great help. Now step aside.

It’s no wonder that the boomers have spawned the millennials, or Generation Y.  If boomers want to constantly remind others of their accomplishments and the stages of their lives, millennials, in their eagerness to learn from their elders,  want praise and fast promotion for theirs. The complementarity of the two generations is unparalleled. Where does all this leave Gen X? Stuck right in the middle. Clowns to the left us, jokers to the right.

So what do you think?  Am I just hanging out with the  ultra-skeptical Gen X…or is resentment increasing?

September Webinars about Social Media and Managing the Multi-Generational Workforce

Link Me, Tweet Me, Friend Me

September 15, 2009 at 2:00 PM EDT

Wondering if your business needs to be on Facebook or Twitter?  Confused about LinkedIn and blogging? Then you don’t want to miss this 60 minute introductory webinar. Register here.

 Geeks, Geezers, and Googlization

September 16, 2009 at 2:00 PM EDT

Join author Ira S Wolfe for the official release of his new book Geeks, Geezers, and Googlization with a webinar and discussion led by author Ira S Wolfe.  Learn how four generations and technology will change business and how to manage the four major clashpoints that are dividing the multi-generational workforce.  Register here.

The “I’ll work forever” attitude of the Baby Boomers is bringing movement up the career ladder to a complete stand-still.  It’s like waiting for a table in a busy restaurant when the guests at the table you want have finished their dessert and paid the bill but are busy chatting well beyond their “allotted” time.  The longer they stay, the more intense the glares and more uncomfortable everyone becomes.

Fellow blogger Sue Danbom posed an intriguing post this morning when she asked, “Brett Favre – Poster Child for “Un-retirement.” Will Boomers Do the Same?”  There is no question the Baby Boomers will be hanging around the workplace longer than anyone ever expected.  For some organizations that’s a good thing….for others, it’s bad.  While Boomers may have the experience, they don’t always possess the talent and skills needed to compete in the “new economy.” (Don’t confuse the War for Talent with a shortage of people to fill the jobs.  The War for Talent is still being fought over skilled workers, with an emphasis on “skilled.”)

Sue highlights Favre’s journey from his Hall of Fame career to the soap-opera history of his retirement to un-retirement to retirement.  Last week he announced his latest un-retirement. And she rightfully asks if Boomers, “Like Favre, will they have second (and third and fourth) thoughts after they leave the workforce?”

That’s a great question and I strongly believe the answer will be YES.  But management will be remiss if they don’t anticipate the loss of Gen X who feel they are trapped by the likes of Boomers in Brett Favre clothing.   The postponed retirements and perpetual un-retirements is creating a measureable resentment in the Gen X cohort who are getting blocked by a thickening Gray Ceiling.  This ceiling is not only frustrating Gen X, but Gen Y too. 

For those organizations who don’t take heed, they could easily lose the experience and wisdom of both the seated guests (Boomers) and the wait list (Gen X and Gen Y at the same time.

It’s also important to recognize that Brett Favre is not a Baby Boomer.  While Brett Favre’s behavior might resemble that of an aging Boomer, he is a Generation X born in 1969.  So I ask, is Favre a Baby Boomer trapped in a Gen X body or is his behavior a sign of things to come for aging Gen Xers, too?