The whole baby boomers, generation X and Y is a very loose theory open to wide interpretation and debate at best and at worst utterly daft to try to categorise 10 of millions of people because of the time period they were born in.
So why am I raising the topic. Simply because it’s one that has been raised several times in the last few weeks by a range of clients and colleagues most especially in the areas of leadership and employability.
A rough overview.
Baby boomers (approx. born 1946 – 1969)
Often encouraged to go to university and once they had graduated get a good job and take a well defined career path that was stable, secure and had status. Characteristics associated with this group often included ambitious, hard working and loyal. This group have had to learn technology. Many of this group would be moving towards retirement however due to economic changes and a desire to stay in the workforce are working longer. The job market that is keen to keep them as they have managed through previous recessions.
Generation X (approx. born 1970 – 1990)
Off spring of the baby boomers who were raised by parents who wanted to give them more than they had in education, holidays, luxuries, the latest technology and choice. Parental financial support has tended to go way beyond 18. A different up bringing has created different career drivers which include flexible approach to work, no real anxiety about long term security, a desire to have it all now most especially with consumer products/high quality life style. Career planning would also be low on the priority list with a genuine desire for variety of role and employers. Most especially “values” based organisation are sought out. This group grew up with technology.
Generation Y (approx. 1990 -2010)
In the context of work this group are in their late teens/early twenties so are just starting out in their careers. No one yet knows the full impact off what starting out in a recession will have on their career drivers and motivations.
So who is most employable?
Well that depends on what the employer wants. Each generation has lots to offer accompanied by potential downsides. However there are certain traits that maximise an individuals employability whatever generation they maybe from.
The key thing is to have skills and strengths that the job market requires. It is our job to keep up to date with the trends in our industry and what that might mean for us as individuals, However you also need the ability to let the market know you exist through having a positive reputation, a good range of contacts accompanied by being proactive and an online presence. I mention on line presence because on several occasions over the last week when someone’s name has been mentioned the first thing that has happened in the meeting are people grabbing their Blackberry’s, I Phones etc and doing a web search which often takes you to LinkedIn or You Tube.
So in summary the keys to employability are linked to having skills and strengths the market place wants and be able to deliver them in a way that works for all the people you come in contact with whatever generation they are from. That ability really does make you irresistible employable.
Best wishes,
Hilary
