How to Manage Gen X Employees
Gen X is classified as people born after the baby boom generation from 1965-1976. This highly populated group of individuals is pervasive in the workforce and can be extremely difficult to manage. This article looks to provide insight and tips on how to manage Gen X employees.
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Instructions
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As a manager you must begin to understand the people you manage in order to be effective. Gen X employees grew up watching their parents from the Baby Boomer generation. These parents were dual income families if they stayed married, butmany of these families experienced a divorce or two. The Cold War was the underlying political issue, and they entered the workforce in the late 80's, which was during an economic downturn.
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Given the situation Gen X employees encountered, they developed strong characteristics that have become evident.
They are independent and do not work well with a rigid work structure.
They are open communicators and give feedback and expect feedback from their mangers.
Given all of the turmoil they have dealt with in their lives they adapt well to their circumstances.
They are comfortable with change and multi-cultural settings.
They have less loyalty to their employers than their previous generation.
Gen Xers are dedicted to their tasks at hand. -
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Challenging Gen X employees to complete tasks should be the main motivation.
Gen Xers like to figure out different ways to do things themselves and continue to better educate themselves on the job. Give them an expected result and let them figure out how to achieve it. Some guidance is helpful, but allow them to be creative and problem solve. -
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Mentoring is a good way to develop a strong relationship, but be careful not to be too overbearing. Gen Xers like to know what is expected of them and then to prove their effectiveness through performance. They will enjoy the challenge.
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Make work practical yet enjoyable. Gen X employees like to get things done and enjoy the process. They are more likely to excel if they feel part of a collegial environment as opposed to a rigid heirarchal corporate structure.
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