They're just different…

… Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y… and not just in age.  While their brains are pretty much the same (physiologically speaking); I truly believe they are wired completely different.  Growing up on computers, cell phones, MP3 players, and iPods, Gen X and Gen Y can multi-task better than I ever will be able to (give me one thing at a time to work on and I’m happy).

Beyond that they seem to relate to others differently as well.  They’re generally less about connecting with family, and more about connecting with their group of friends; many of which are virtual connections.  Friendships are at the same time extremely personal (some stuff on Facebook can get REALLY personal!), and at the very same time, very impersonal (it’s just not required, and sometimes not preferred, to even be in the same room anymore).

It’s not what we’re used to (by “we’re” I’m referring to Traditionalists and Baby Boomers). But who ever said we had a lock on ‘model behavior’ when it comes to interpersonal relationships? One thing that does scare me is how comfortable the Xer’s, and certainly the Y’s, are with isolating themselves from most everything else around them.  To put it differently, it is interesting how content they are to create a wall, even a barrier, around their own defined world. You can see them on the bus, airplane, or subway with iPod ear buds inserted, video game controllers in hand, and custom ring tones on their cell phone playing… it’s as if no one or nothing else exists (even if you're in the same room!).

It’s as if they have no ‘need’ for anything else. For the most part, they are self-assured, self-absorbed, and some of them self-centered.  Who knows, maybe this is better, they certainly have a much broader group of really close friends than Boomers like me had (or they at least keep them close through IMing them throughout the day and night).

The one underlying fear I have is about the comfort they find being in their virtual world. Will it collide head on with the real world of business, which is placing a growing importance on cross-functional integration and team work?  Groups need to organize around a common problem or opportunity, openly share varying perspectives/opinions, and work through the ups and downs of alignment.  The X’s and Y’s have been their own screenwriter and their own director of their virtual bubble; no need for negotiation, compromise or collaboration.  They either let you in, or with one simple keystroke they ‘click’ you out.  How is it going to work when the focus of attention is other than ‘them’?  While I don’t always agree with my fellow workers, I do always listen and consider what they have to say.  Will these generations do this, or will they just turn up the volume on their isolation?  I can’t see where this will be acceptable.  I believe it is incumbent on us Traditionals and Boomers to convince and challenge them to let the business, its issues, and their organizational counterparts, be a part of their entrusted inner world.  If we do, we can leverage the unique skills they bring to the task. Their ability to ‘search’ for content is second nature to them, as well as the option to instantly query their extended virtual network for ideas. They’re media moguls as well. They are able to whip up a movie or a podcast as quickly as we write a Word document.  In the end I’m convinced we’ll find that while they may not appear as friendly on the surface, they have a world of knowledge and a depth of thinking that we didn’t realize was possible.  Embrace the difference.

Comments

[Harsha Kalapala]

I agree with Robert on the fact that information overload is a possible reason for our generation's behavior.

I believe that every single person is capable of processing this 'overload' and producing meaningful results.. However, it all depends on the choices of the individual.

Man has demonstrated his ability to adapt to the changing environments through the course of time.. physically and culturally. Just like there are 'self-centered' people in our generation who just dont get it.. there are also quite a few 'masterminds' who can change the way life.. If one gets the BIG picture, all the solutions are clear..

[Ardyce Conley]

Embracing diversity, newly defined, is more rewarding than ever! Take it all in! It's food for the soul. Personal observation & experience: As a boomer, I many times relate better to X/Y than in-betweeners! Could it be we know what to expect of each other, but there is that "middle ground" on the fence we're each a bit confused by.....

[Mark Greiner]

A couple of excellent comments that I believe enhance our understanding,... I know it caused me to think more deeply about the differences. They both speak to the volume of information that is available today, and it's many forms. While we all struggle with information overload to some extent,... I think it strains and stresses the Boomers (me included) more than their offspring. I'm certainly not demeaning the X/Y generation when I say they are different,... I say in fact to embrace the difference, as they are better able to manage this range of information and stay 'connected'. But the interesting questiion will be what will be the limits of their information overload (e.g., how do you select what to listen to when you have every song ever recorded on your Ipod...?). I'm sure the search engine companies are working on this exact problem.

[Jay Grandin]

Although your observation is accurate that, generationally, we gather and re-distribute information differently, I'm wary of the value judgment. I sense that your measure of isolation is based in an antiquated paradigm.
As technology comes at the forefront of our work experience, the doors are open to connect with clients, suppliers, and colleagues an a way that was never possible in the days of donuts, cushy chairs and boardrooms with fishtanks; it's possible for me to connect face to face in a very real way (save the handshake) with colleagues thousands of miles away.
The Steelcase brand is built by a team of design, marketing, and communications teams that are built on what generation X and Y have to offer. We work hard, we work quickly, and we use tools that allow us to do this while accomplishing what used to require handshakes, suits, and a fishtank.
I often wonder if the Boomer reaction to my generation is one of intimidation, rather than one of disgust. We've entered the work with physical (and emotional) mobility, an aptitude for pixels, right clicks, and video conferences, and a desire to do things in a new way. We don't want a cherry corner office with a brass ashtray and because of it, we're changing the whole perception of the corporate American dream. We're changing it for everyone, Boomers included.
Although we may seem self-centered or self-absorbed, it could be that we're just not focused on you as much as you feel we should be. If you want some good face time, I'll put you in my 'top 8' on my MySpace page.

[Robert Schmelding]

Here's a thought. Maybe we close ourselves off because we're on information overload. Look at the amount of information we process everyday compared to to 5, 10, 20 years ago.

Now imagine that I have to read your blog, which is longer than most newspaper articles, and isn't telling me anything new.

And maybe this is the problem. I'm frustrated by your generations inefficiency in our virtual word.

So yes, I'm clicking you out. I have better things to do with my time.