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.

Motivate Gen X with two phrases, “Do it your way” and “Don’t sweat the rules”

Gen X grew up with email - but before SMS or apps.Their teachers stressed correct writing, too.Poor grammar drives Gen X nuts.

Send your Gen X colleagues well-written emails

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.

Acknowledge Gen X's emails quickly.

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.”

Focus with Gen X on mission and results.

Gen X grew up with workaholic Boomer parents.Seeing that, Gen X thinks work is part of life but not why they live.

Allow Gen X a balanced life

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.

Bond with Gen X as individuals

Give them data.Gen X says “Tell me how it is!” and cuts out the fluff.For generations like Millennials, this is hard.Millennials want the “shit sandwich” for feedback.

Be direct with Gen X

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.

Just acknowledge Gen X exists

Boomers/Millennials grew up in ages of abundance.Gen X is the first generation to NOT do as well financially as their parents or kids did.

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.

Expect Gen X to want work-life separation

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

TL;DR: Win by doing these things with Gen X:

Michael's hit the bloody mark on this one: 9/10, nailed almost everything for me (even though I'm a Millennial, but barely). Definitely a huge help when dealing with Gen X'ers, even though this won't hit the sweet spot all the time (especially for those closer in age to either Boomers (born 1946-64) or Millennials (born 1981-96).

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