According to award-winning author Tammy Erickson, Gen X’ers have what future leaders need “to contend with a world with finite limits, no easy answers, and the sobering realization that we are facing significant, seemingly intractable problems on multiple fronts.” These are some of their valuable traits:
Accelerated contact with the real world. Their latch-key childhoods made them resourceful and hardworking.
Distrust of institutions. They’re self-reliant, resilient, have developed strong survival skills, and maintain well-nurtured networks.
Outward looking. Their sense of alienation as teens, while at the same time surrounded by rapidly expanding technology, has enabled them to operate comfortably in today’s global digital society.
Unconscious acceptance of diversity. Early awareness of global issues has made them multicultural. The high rates of divorce in their youth meant they grew up with women in independent roles of authority.
Inclination to innovate. Early experiences in making their own way taught Gen X’ers to seek alternatives.
Rich humor and incisive perspective. Gen X’ers are skeptical and able to to isolate practical truths.They help redefine issues and question reality.
Work life balance. Dedicated to being good parents, Gen X’ers “raise important questions” about how we balance work with our other commitments.
Pragmatism. Their practical, value-oriented sensibilities will help them be effective stewards of organizations today and of the world tomorrow.
(Tammy Erickson, Why Generation X Has the Leaders We Need Now, Harvard Business blogs, Jul. 19, 2009.)
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