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How to effectively lead Gen Xs

Managing Generation X employees requires you to know what makes Gen Xs tick, where their strengths lie, and what they need from you as a leader. For some, this will even mean managing older employees.

You will need to be aware of the stereotypes surrounding this generation, but also use your own judgement and understand who Gen X is rather than blindly following the stereotypical view of Gen X, as personalities in the workplace are much more diverse than simple age groups.

Begin with your style and attitude

appreciate that all team members have different aspirations and motivations
lead by example
actively embody the traits and values you want your staff to emulate and give them reasons to be loyal
be genuine, authentic, collaborative, inclusive, aware and decisive
seek a role model to become your mentor, someone you respect, trust and want to follow, and who can guide your career wisely
se an exceptional listener
limit meetings to when there is a real need
deliver what you promise
be an advocate for your team
share your vision and show optimism for the future
avoid micromanaging

Implement practices and processes

give them flexibility and the ability to work independently
give them the opportunity to contribute as they want to make an impact on the business
allow them the opportunity to do things their own way
enable them to achieve quick wins
give them immediate feedback
provide them with opportunities to learn new skills
provide them with constant stimulus
provide them with dynamic information in a structured format
have a clear agenda for meetings and a single focus. Identify clear outcomes and aim for immediate results
consider carefully how you give advice and help them realise the value of the advice
establish empathy and effectiveness – prove you understand their concerns and address them with practical solutions
push the importance of an overall plan, but balance this with reference to short-term gains
address their concerns positively
remember they are time-poor and want instant gratification
ask them what kind of contact they would prefer – email, phone, in person – and meet that request
have a clear agenda and a single focus when meeting with them, and follow-up
use technology to communicate
incorporate humour and games into work activities

"Gen Xs are beginning to dominate the C-Suite and drive our economy forward until millennials and Gen Z are ready to take us to even greater heights down the road."

How to encourage and inspire Gen X workers

Provide them with flexible working hours and consider job-sharing practices.
Consider initiatives that help them save or make better use of time. They like using tip sheets, checklists and calculators.
Give them work that matters to the business and tell them why it matters and what impact it will have on the business’ success.
Create a culture of family-friendly work practices.
Involve them in succession planning allowing them to design career paths.

An expert’s viewpoint on managing Generation X employees

Here are five reasons why Gen Xs are becoming the champions of the business world according to US expert Keith Johnstone, Head of Marketing at Peak Sales Recruiting.

1. They know technology

Generation X currently has the most applicable experience in today’s rapidly evolving global economy. Having been key contributors to the evolution of the tech sector, they not only understand technology but have managed teams and created strategies that have led to the launch of some of the world’s most innovative and disruptive companies.

2. They have unlimited spending power and their influence is underestimated

Marketers are beginning to realise a best-kept secret: gen Xs have enormous spending power. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Generation X spends more money per household than any other generation at $66,981.

AdAge concurs, noting that Gen X has more spending power than any other generation, representing 31% of total U.S. income. Sean Mahoney, vice president and group director at Digitas Studios, said all eyes are on millennials and boomers, and no one is paying attention to Gen X.

"They're actually the people in power – power of the purse. They're running households, they're moving into political power, they're in the center of everything."

3. Bill Gates and other world-class brands gave them the keys to the kingdom

Bill Gates, one of the most successful innovators of all time, is in his 60s, which means he’s a baby boomer. In yet another stroke of genius, he turned the reins of Microsoft over to Satya Nadella, a Generation Xer who has received rave reviews for taking Microsoft further into the future by attracting talent from young startups. If Bill Gates, one of the wealthiest men on the planet, believes in Generation X, then you can too.

McDonald's, 21st Century Fox and Harley-Davidson, among others, have put Gen Xs in the corner office.

"There is going to be a sea change in terms of the ways that individuals in the corner office lead," Sandra Davis of MDA Leadership Consulting said in an interview with the WSJ.

"They [Gen Xs] are far more nimble and agile."

4. Gen X has produced some of the best entrepreneurs

In between former General Motors CEO and baby boomer Jack Welch and Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, there have been enormously influential Gen X CEOs who have helped the United States maintain its position as the best economy in the world. This includes a list of innovators often overlooked as Gen Xs, such as Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Twitter’s Jack Dorsey and Dell Computers' Michael Dell.

5. They're paving the way for millennials to achieve greater success

As a millennial, I admire my Gen X colleagues and am constantly blown away by their ingenuity, intelligence and innovation. Their insights and knowledge guide today’s businesses and are opening the doors for millennials to achieve greater success in the years to come.

The diverse range of Gen Xs, baby boomers and millennials have all made tremendous contributions to our society. Not to be outdone are the contributions, influence and power that Generation X holds today. Due to a confluence of socioeconomic issues and experience, Gen Xs are beginning to dominate the C-Suite and drive our economy forward until millennials and Gen Z are ready to take us to even greater heights down the road.

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