In the past 10 years Generation X has developed a master skill. That skill? Translation. 

For so long we (Generation X) listened to our older and wiser leaders and then attempted to make sense of what they were asking. Now, this isn’t unique. Everybody does this. We all listen and then translate for our own use. Not special. 

But over the past 10 years Generation X has taken the translation skill and put it on steroids. Not only have we translated for ourselves, but we have then translated it again for the younger generation. 

It’s like translating German into English and then translating that English into French. 

Experience and research both indicate that Boomers and Millennials often communicate past each other. Think of Dads and their 20-something offspring. “Ok, boomer.” 

Under appreciated, in my view, is how Generation X has helped bridge communication divides in the workplace. We don’t get any credit for that, but that is the plight of Generation X.