Managing Generation Xers is like managing anyone else.
Well, sort of. Here are some tips to keep in mind. While the following are generalizations, they can be quite helpful when working with today’s 20 and 30-somethings.
- They like variety—not doing the same thing every day.
- Their career goals often have to do with new challenges and opportunities. Money’s important to them, but not the catch all, end all.
- Gen Xers believe that the best job security they’ll get is to keep growing, learning and adding new skills. They have a thirst for knowledge.
- They’re used to working in teams. Baby boomers, on the other hand, very generally prefer independence.
- They like to learn by doing—trial and error.
- They often challenge the status quo, always looking for a better way.
- They like a lot of feedback. Remember, too, that most psychologists say positive feedback is greatly preferable to negative.
- Xers want to give back to their community, and do more than just work.
- Gen X males tend to be as family oriented, and as interested in paternal leave, as Gen X females.
Thanks to James Essey, CEO, Tempositions, New York for providing many of these points.