Baby Boomers: I’ll work my bones dry! I must be ambitious! I must prove my worth!
Gen Xers: I have to provide more value to guarantee my survival.
Millennials: I’m tired of competition. I’ll work as much as I need to for my paycheck.
There are vast differences among these three generations; Will they undermine each other? Or can this be an opportunity?
What is your attitude towards work? Do you seek to go up the corporate ladder? Or do you want to stay loyal to a firm for many years? Or would you like to transfer to a better job? Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millennials now find themselves working under the same ceiling, but with completely different objectives. A generational war looms over the horizon; will this pose a risk or be an opportunity for a company? The author, Korea’s leading leadership storyteller, looks into the experiences and lives of each generation to take a deep dive into their inner thoughts. Based on researching numerous organizations, he provides a solution to stop the generational war and allow for all workers to co-work peacefully.
Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millennials: War and Peace Across 3 Generations presents the motivations and desires of the different generations, to help corporate leaders navigate the business world while getting along with “kids these days.” Millennials, who would quit their jobs without a second thought after being dragged to too many work dinners, are like tame, well-mannered Shih Tzus. However, just like those little dogs, when they feel something is unjust or unfair, they will invariably feel righteous anger. Boomers love to go out in groups and tend to be ambitious. They are like tigers, with their fiery sense of spirit. Gen Xers are caught in the middle, between strong-minded Boomers and individualistic Millennials. They are like cows, slowly but surely plowing onward. Once leaders recognize the actions and motivations behind these behaviors, they will understand what each generation's beliefs and wants are, and this understanding will prove to be an opportunity where diversity is leveraged into strength.
According to the author, the loyalty of Boomers, the rational individualism of Gen Xers, and the digital savvy and global perspectives of Millennials, are advantages that have never existed simultaneously in one company at the same time in human history. Because this book sees each generation not as a trendy topic for analysis, but as an important member of each organization, it helps leaders enhance their capacities and abilities while applying these insights in the field. The book offers ways to deal with employees who demand work-life balance but aren't putting in their fair share, or lazy workers who slack off during the day and report to work late. There are also lessons on how to turn your well-intentioned nagging to actual, well-regarded advice, and how to let your admonishments sound like constructive feedback. These practical solutions will help leaders exhibit the kind of leadership skills that inspire their employees. Going further, leaders will better understand how to sculpt the kind of company culture necessary to invite more young talent and grow into the future.
