How to Mentor Each Generation in the Workplace, Part 2

So what can Gen X teach Boomers and Millennials? Gen X often has something that both the Boomers and Gen Y lack: focus.

I know, I know. Boomers and Gen Y think they’re focused. But if you look at things unsentimentally (which is what Gen X excels at doing), you’ll see that a Boomer’s idea of focus is sort of like everyone sitting around a campfire taking their turn discussing the problem. The Gen Y notion of focus is sort of like everyone hanging out at a party taking their turn discussing the problem. And then when everyone has a turn, they both sort of focus on a consensual solution.

The Gen X concept of focus is more like: Problem-Brief Discussion- Decision-Done.

We can all learn from this.

We can also learn from Gen X’s perceived cynicism. They see the flaws. They see the problems. They see the things Boomers and Gen Y don’t want to see. So put them in charge of being Devil’s Advocate. You’ll learn, and your team’s work will improve. Let them be your mentors in seeing reality and finding the blind spots. Their perceived cynicism can give others an incredibly important perspective on improving business. Now that’s valuable to any team and organization!

In my next blog, I’ll discuss how Gen Y can mentor Baby Boomers and Gen X.