Generational Nuances
My last four blogs discussed the personality traits of the four generations, as well as the most effective key words to use for each generation. Now that you understand these points, it’s time to look at some generational nuances.
Family nuances
Birth order can have an influence on a generational personality. For example, I was born in 1965, so technically speaking, I’m the first year of Gen X. However, because I am the youngest of 8 children, I have Boomer tendencies since I followed my older siblings around the house, listened to their music and tried to act like them. However, if I had been the oldest of 8 children, I would be much more of a Gen X-er. Consequently, I call myself a ‘Boomer/X’, which means I have more Boomer tendencies than Gen X tendencies.
International nuances
Living overseas also influences a generational personality. In general, living overseas during the formative, teen years, even for a short period of time, tends to mature a child. So if someone has lived overseas, they tend to bump up to the earlier generation. For example, my husband was born in 1967, so he is definitely in the Gen X category. However, he grew up in Kenya, Africa. Therefore, although he definitely has a Gen X style, he has far more Boomer tendencies than his compatriots who were raised in the US. So I would call him an ‘X/Boomer’.
Military nuances
Growing up in the military also influences a generational personality. Not only do children of military officers often live overseas, they also tend to be influenced by the military itself, which tends to be more traditional than mainstream America. So if someone is the child of a military officer, they also tend to bump up to the earlier generation. For example, Sean was born in 1970, so he is a solid Gen X’er. However, he not only grew up in the military, but he also went to West Point Academy. Therefore, he is an ‘X/Boomer’, with more Boomer traits than many of his Gen X friends.
Re-locating to the US
Many people tell me that they don’t feel like the generation they were ‘born into’. When we look into their formative years, it turns out that often they grew up overseas, moved to the US for college and later became a US citizen. So although they have lived in the US for more years than they lived in their place of birth, they still lived overseas during their formative years, which bumps them up a generation. Eileen, an Irish woman with an American accent said “I just don’t get Gen X and I’m supposed to be one of them! I relate much better to colleagues older than myself.” That’s because Ireland is more traditional in many ways than the US; this type of tradition matured her and bumped her to become more of a ‘Boomer/X’.
As you can see, there are many nuances that impact a person’s generational personality. So rather than focusing on the year someone was born, instead focus on their personality and use the platinum rule. If they show Boomer traits, even though they are 35 years old, then speak Boomer-ese to them. And if they display Gen Y tendencies, even though they are 35, then speak Gen Y to them. You’ll not only create a rapport and bond with them; you’ll also use the language that best resonates with them, helping to create a more effective conversation.
