Expect Gen X to be pessimistic

Expect them to be friendly but not “friends” at work.

Unlike recent generations who bring their personal life to work.

Many Gen X grew up in divorced single-parent homes.

So they were forced to be self-reliant and unsupervised early on.

They want independence to get it done their way.

Gen X feels forgotten.

Only 20% of the population.

They’re also the people in your org with their heads down, getting stuff done.

But, take them for granted and they can bolt.

They will love you.

Gen X wants to know who is responsible at all times.

They grew up when institutions weren’t to be trusted.

• Say "Do it your way"
• Use well-written emails
• Say "I got it!"
• Focus on the mission w/ them
• Allow life balance
• Bond as people
• Be direct
• Acknowledge they exist
• Expect pessimism
• Expect work-life separation

Gen X grew up with email - but before SMS or apps.

Their teachers stressed correct writing, too.

Poor grammar drives Gen X nuts.

Gen X grew up with workaholic Boomer parents.

Seeing that, Gen X thinks work is part of life but not why they live.

Not seniority, effort, or hours worked.

You’ll often hear Gen X say, “If someone gets the job done in half the time, that’s fine.”

Not as part of a tribe (Millennials) or institution (Boomers).

Institutions from Gov’t to marriage showed they couldn't be trusted during Gen X's youth.