+1 (425) 442-3274 jonathan@sandcastlecompany.com
Select Page

The Culture+ Blog

Insights to help you create a compelling and connected culture

What is Generation X’s role?

Generation X (age 39-53), the much smaller generation squished between the Baby Boomers and the Millennials, has some soul searching to do over the next several years.

For the past 30 years the Boomers have been comfortably and competently in command at the office. They had the generational numbers and, therefore, the power.

Things were done their way. Period.

Generation X, in response to this dynamic, ran around trying to manifest the Boomer grand vision. For years we ran and ran and ran. Surely someday things would change.

Things have changed, but not in the way we thought. As Boomers retire, Gen X and Millennials are filling the void. Gen X finally has a chance to shape the future, but we have to negotiate with the present.

During our soul search we have to answer this question: What is our role?

We can’t be top dog, the Millennial counterbalance won’t allow it. We shouldn’t be lapdog, we already made that mistake.

So, what is it? The answer is that we don’t know yet. We have to have the patience to find out.

by Jonathan

Jonathan Wilson is the CEO of Sandcastle, a leadership training and development consultancy. He frequently speaks and writes about building high performance teams. Jonathan regularly presents his latest findings and insights to business and government leaders at local, state, and national association events (both in-person and virtual). His first book, Future Leader: Rebooting Leadership to Win the Millennial and Tech Future is available now.

Tagged: Leadership

Published on: October 21, 2019

You might also like…

The “be first” philosophy

Be first. It's not about first place.Be the first one to congratulate the winner. It's not winning the argument.Be the first one to shift to positive energy and real solutions. It's not about being right.Be the first one to admit when you are wrong. It's not about...