As you look around and assess the society in which we are currently functioning, have you ever considered the extent to which you are negotiating life’s multigenerational context?
In 2021, six generations are co-existing. I consider myself blessed to have interacted with every single one, albeit with varying degrees of success. As the world continues to evolve, a measure of confusion, and even some frustration about understanding the mindset of each group can occasionally invade me- and I don’t think I’m the only person experiencing these emotions. It becomes evident in our homes, in our work spaces, between students and teachers, and in other social situations. I rely on self-awareness and daily self-regulation to adjust any of my biases when I become aware of them, because I understand that I may be basing my reactions on certain misconceptions. Even so, this is no guarantee that I am always sitting at the table as a non-judgmental Baby Boomer. Instead, I’m often reflecting and wondering what on earth "those early Boomers" were thinking when they did this or the other thing with their lives, then passed it on for the rest of us to undo.
Other recent barriers also come to mind- whether I’m co-working on a critical project in the office or delegating chores at home, I know these struggles aren’t unique to me. Any of us may feel them when negotiating multiple professional, or social perspectives. It takes patience, an intentional cross-study, and then a genuine effort to meet others halfway to achieve a happier and healthier coexistence.
Medical advances of the past few decades have afforded us the ability to live longer and healthier lives. If you’re blessed to still have a member of the Greatest Generation (born 1901-1927) or the Silent Generation (1928-1945) you would be wise to learn as much as you can from them and to express gratitude for the history lessons and overall wisdom they afford us. Baby Boomers (1946-1964), Gen-Xers (1965-1980), Millennials aka Gen Y’s (1981-1996), and Gen-Z’s, aka i-Gens (1997-2012) must reach a communication happy-medium, if we’re to learn from one another and thrive in this multi-dimensional world. If you're of the belief that this doesn’t affect your day-to-day living, I would advise that you think that through again. (The thoughts and illustrations that I may share are based on my own experiences and interactions over a span of approximately 40 years, with members of the given generations- and yes, I’ve positively dated myself with that disclaimer. I consider those years on this earth, and the years not mentioned, a source of pride and satisfaction!) I’ve had numerous cross generational experiences in work environments as well as in other relational aspects of everyday life that inspired this narrative.
As Baby Boomers grow older and are getting closer to retirement age, many grow weary during their final career years, striving to keep up with the many advances of technology. Contending with the speed with which younger counterparts maneuver these technical tools often becomes a source of anxiety for a slower-to-adapt Baby Boomer. Elizabeth Dukes and Inc. Magazine outline significant ways in which the two groups have struggled to approach the work environment from similar perspectives. https://www.inc.com/elizabeth-dukes/the-no-1-thing-millennials-and-baby-boomers-dont-understand-about-each-other.html
It can be especially frustrating to be well versed in one’s field yet be held up by a limited ability to impart knowledgeable concepts while having to incorporate components of today’s ever-evolving technology. In fact, nothing brings this point home, like the whirlwind of technical aids- programs, platforms and applications that we’ve all had to learn, adapt to, and apply to our lives as we faced significant communication challenges during the earlier phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. In my various roles as an administrator and instructor in a higher education organization, I’ve pulled numerous all-nighters to keep up with various tools and resources afforded us to keep our institutions up to date, effective, and competitive in the new online and virtual arenas. But these challenges aren’t just a concern in the world of work. Boomers are experiencing precarious relational situations with family and friends, and I’m having more discussions now than in my thirties about the off-putting dating scene of this era.
Gen Xers have emulated the methods and patterns learned from Boomer mentors- they were initially their natural role models. Gen Xers have primarily followed their ideologies, yet as all other generations, they evolved into a group that felt a desire to transition to their own ideas- to work smarter, not harder. The exploration to make this new motto an achievable reality began, and a steady movement ensued. While Boomer bosses liked this general concept even for themselves, they often disapproved of its manifestation by Gen Xers, in the workplace. The practice generally went against the Baby Boomer's “work hard to achieve what you want” core beliefs. Gen Xers often found themselves in a power struggle to convince Boomers that significant changes were coming to the workplace, and then to life in general. But none of these five groups could have imagined the extent to which technology was about to change the world for good or for bad, in very permanent ways.
Millennials emerged with a stronger conviction to work smart for self-help, self enhancement, and self-preservation above all else. Hence, the labelling they assumed: the “Me Generation”. A millennial young woman that I supervised and mentored, once asked me to help her establish short-term and long-term career goals and a plan that would enable her to move up the organizational ladder quickly and effectively. She wanted to be a leader in her chosen area of higher education. That of course was a noble goal, but she lacked a clear vision of the reasons she wanted to move up within the organization for which she worked. When I asked her what her professional desires were for the next three and five years, she did not mention the things I expected to hear. There was little mention of the students she intended to instruct; there was no mention of an ultimate goal to collaborate in the advancement of the department for which she taught. Ultimately, there was little thought given concerning her role as an integral part of the growth of the institution that she was currently a member of.
What was quite evident to me in her response was, who she wanted to ‘be’ in three years. In sharp contrast, however, this colleague's exceptional skill sets for developing excellent online presentations and training workshops was undeniable. Her intentional effort to focus on sharpening her already excellent skills was primarily to be promotable and there was no apologetic attitude for that. With these dynamics in mind, I recommended a deeper group study and understanding of how we should pool hers and the various skills sets of her colleagues to foster a collaborative three-year plan toward her advancement, that of the students, and of the organization.
Gen Zers are growing up in a very different world from the one that Boomers and Gen Xers have experienced. I think of them as the “Millennials 4.0”, although most Gen Zers that I interact with would correct me immediately about any similarities to another generation- period! I often hear anecdotes from a Gen-Zer of how often they endure comments from older relatives, and other acquaintances. The main point of resentment or humor- depending on the personality, is the quality of life that they have missed out on, having been born after the 1970s and 80s. That idea may have merit in various ways, but many Millennials and Gen Zers also express that life without the ten-mile walks to school and the monotonous nine-to-five jobs, is a compelling game changer for them and the lives they’re living. Additionally, Gen-Zers are extremely proud and often downright cocky about their technological abilities. They speak the familial language as well as that of the chat-bot on an online health questionnaire, without having pull their hair out. As I taught college level Study Skills, Psychology and Human Development, I have been fortunate to engage in many class discussions with a cross-section of students from each of the above-mentioned generational groups. Truthfully, some Gen-Zers have occasionally expressed dismay to have missed precious gifts of the 70s, like experiencing a great Rock or R&B live band. Still, Gen Zers are so far removed from those experiences that they could never understand how much they really have missed. In those class discussions, they more consistently expressed relief to have been born during the life-transforming technological age, even if their lives seem to have become obsessed with a constant checking of their cell phones, As explored by Massom Gupte for The Economic Times, it is a “fear of missing out” on anything!
Well, who would have believed it? Almost thirty years into the constantly growing tech age, it is definitely here to stay. We all recognize its great benefits and life enhancements. We also wish we could do away with its challenges and risks! Who knows what wonders await us in the foreseeable future? Transportation that gets us across the globe at the blink of our eyes? Safeguards that actually improve the quality of life without the threats of rampant cyber-attacks? On a social front, will cyber-dating be the norm and face-to-face blind dates be an anomaly? Will free higher education for all state residents, truly be in the American's horizon? Many of these could come to fruition. We should expect it! I believe we’re all responsible to contribute something positive toward reaching advances that enhance the quality of our collective lives. The trick is, we don’t always agree on what enhances us collectively. I don't suppose it will all happen in my lifetime, and that quite frankly, is okay. Sometimes the status quo ends up much better than what we initially asked for. In the end, the younger generations soon become the older generation, and they will then pester their children and grandchildren about the lives they're living! In the meantime, let’s grant one another some grace as we all try to watch where we’re stepping- liking it or not, we will be moving forward together!
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