Hello… Gen X Here… We’re Underappreciated!
Much has been written over the past few years regarding the upcoming talent deficit when it comes to Leadership positions in organizations. The Boomers, being a much larger generation, will vacate more senior positions than there are qualified people to back-fill. What seems to be discussed more often than not is a focused discussion about ramping up Millennials to fill the void.
Hello, yes, Gen X here… often unappreciated, always reliable. This particular front in the HR Perfect storm is much like a hurricane building in the tropics. It’s been on our radar for years, and we’ve watched it move along building strength for quite some time. I originally titled this blog “The Rodney Dangerfield Generation” because like his catch line, “I don’t get no respect,” I would say Gen X as a generation finds it lacking too.
My initial approach to this blog was from a disgruntled standpoint of how Gen X is often overlooked. Instead, I’ve decided to write about all the “Awesomeness” that is my Generation and how it has attributed to some amazing skillsets that uniquely qualify Gen X to lead. A recent survey by DDI found that 51% of all leadership positions are now held by Gen X’ers, so get ready! On a personal note, I’m dedicating this blog to the Humble High School Class of 1989 and our upcoming 30th reunion. This Blog’s for you!
When one considers the influencers of Gen X, there is so much that contributed to the character of our generation early on. Two of the biggest impacts I would say were technology and culture. While not “digital natives,” Gen X paved the way with Atari, Apple, IBM and Microsoft. We learned to adapt and embrace new platforms and formats without a second thought. Music and movies were central to our lives and reflected much of our attitudes. We experienced the Space Shuttle Disaster, end of the Cold War (fall of the Berlin Wall), Desert Storm and 9/11. All combined, it’s not difficult to see how just these few examples shaped Gen X. Battle tested, adaptable and innovative; Gen X has a lot to offer as leaders.
Technology
Gen X started out with 3 TV channels and thankfully color screens. The arrival of the cable box in most homes changed everything. With up to 30 new channels and of course, MTV, how could things get any better? Gen X grew up watching Saturday Morning Cartoons (cause that’s the only time they were on) and waited for shows in real-time. We loved our Walkman’s and watched the short battle of VHS or Beta play out; VHS won. There was no internet, but call waiting was awesome. Personal computers were just starting to come down in size and price to where a family could afford one. Arcades with games for a quarter opened, and Atari/Nintendo began their rise to greatness. There were amazing flying machines in the Space Shuttle and the Concorde. It truly was an amazing time to live.
My first computer was an Apple II Plus, it was awesome. Sadly, it was replaced by an IBM clone for college and then the series of x86 models that never ended. Cassette tapes (believe it or not) were the first storage for personal computers. Soon came floppy discs which were replaced by the hard 3 ½ disc (which still adorn the upper right corner of applications), and then ultimately CD/DVD/thumb drives and now Cloud. Side note, do Millennials actually realize the “Save” function is based on a real disc – I digress. With storage capacity evolving, so did our connections from dial up, to DSL, to T1 and now Fiber Optic. I still love watching “War Games” just to see the vintage modem technology Matthew Broderick used to hack the Department of Defense. This was not just new technology, but new ways of doing things.
Today’s “Digital Natives” have had the Internet as a constant throughout their lives. Think of the vast knowledge that isn’t taught anymore that Gen X had to not only research, but at times commit to memory. Critical thinking was a standard skill taught throughout my school years. When you consider the technological journey and leaps made throughout our lifetime, it becomes more clear how Gen X is uniquely positioned to lead organizations into so much uncharted space when it comes to digital innovation.
Culture
Most Gen Xer’s grew up learning to be self-sufficient. Staying out till the street lights came on, we had a freedom that many older than us had had as well. What changed for Gen X was a higher rate of divorce in our parents, and if it wasn’t that, it was both parents working which brought about the “latchkey” kids. We played sports, lost and watched only 1st, 2nd and 3rd get trophies.
“Everything old is New Again.” Gen X has lived through many of the causes of today that Millennials and Gen Z seem to think are new and have yet to be solved. Gen X, in my humble opinion, is one of the most diverse and accepting of all generations. We grew up with “Different Strokes” and the After School Specials, promoting acceptance and tolerance. We embraced Punk, Rap, Break Dancing, Preppies and Yuppies. Michael Douglass played epic roles confronting Greed in “Wall Street” and sexual harassment in “Disclosure.” John Hughes highlighted our teenage angst while ultimately showing how compassionate and accepting Gen X could be. My point, you want leaders that have this background as today’s “Me Too” and reignited racial and LGBTQ issues consume organizations and institutions.
Hopefully through all this nostalgia it becomes evident that Gen X was constantly changing, adapting and being challenged. All the while, hearing mostly about the “Baby Boomers” as teenagers and then Millennials now as adults. Gen Xer’s are sometimes overlooked as the steady workers that get stuff done without much fanfare, but always reliable. As the Boomers continue to retire and move on to their golden years, organizations should embrace the next generation that is more than ready to assume the helm. “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Gen X is uniquely positioned to assume the mantle of leadership in this very uncertain time.