Generation X Leadership Style: 6 Ways It’s Changing the Game
Sandwiched between two higher-profile generations, Generation X is sometimes overlooked or forgotten in the shadows of baby boomers and millennials. But while you might see buzzy articles or hear talking heads waxing on about the state of other gens, Generation X is quietly poised to be one of the most influential generations of the 2020s and 2030s.
Think about it. Right now, Gen X makes up a third of the American workforce. They’re often in positions of power—as of 2024, more than half of Fortune 500 CEOs are Gen Xers. They also bring certain qualities to the table that put them within reach of real change and innovation in the current work landscape.
Defined as those born between 1965 and 1980, Gen Xers are the first wave of professionals who were born and raised during a time of rapid development at home and at work. While they might be less likely to lead with an iron fist like baby boomers or tout their accomplishments on social media like millennials, don’t make the mistake of forgetting how influential Gen X leadership can be.
6 ways Generation X leaders are shaping the workplace
The formative years for Gen Xers were a time of political, domestic, and economic changes. As a result, Gen Xers are often cited for being more wary and cautious of the American workplace as a whole. And, while that might be seen as a negative way to do business, that general Gen X prudence has given us some of the most important developments in factors like work-life balance and workplace adaptability.
Consider these six (sometimes surprising) ways Gen X leaders are shaping the way we work for the better.
1. Independent and problem solving
Generation X was the first wave of “latchkey kids.” As birth control made it possible for women to plan families and their careers at the same time, Gen Xers had more independent time at home than any other generation before them. As a result, Gen Xers are especially adept at independently solving problems and coming up with creative solutions. It may also be why Gen Xers are often “quieter” in the leadership space. They expect employees to be just as independent and efficient as they are. They’re less likely to step in and instead encourage others to lead the way with as little interference as possible.
2. Emphasis on personal relationships
Without the utter reliance on technology (we’re looking at you, millennials and Gen Zers), Gen Xers are more comfortable with face-to-face, personal interactions. In fact, they probably prefer an in-person meeting or phone call over text or email. Even when compared to baby boomers, who like to keep things business-related, a Gen Xer is probably more likely to ask you about your home life and connect more deeply with their coworkers.
This emphasis on more personal connectivity also lends itself to better opportunities for collaboration. When you know more about your coworkers, you lead with empathy and understand their innate strengths and weaknesses. Gen X leaders know how to put the right people in the right places for the highest degree of success.
3. Leveraging work culture and balance
Baby boomers are known for being loyal and dedicated to their jobs. Gen Xers, in comparison, were raised in a period of time where the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics first began using the word “layoff” in their annual surveys. Gen Xers quickly learned that even if you were endlessly loyal to your employer, there was no guarantee that you’d get the same loyalty back. The result? The birth of the idea of work-life balance—that your job was part of your life, but not the be-all-end-all.
Not only have Gen X leaders proven that someone can be a good employee in addition to all of their other titles, they’ve successfully leveraged a focus on work-life balance as a way to recruit better talent and utilize culture as a workplace benefit. The next time you take some of your unlimited PTO, thank a Gen Xer for realizing that work and life can (and should) exist harmoniously.
4. Resilience
Think of Gen X as the survivors of the 21st century. Many Gen Xers were well into their careers when they experienced the dot-com bubble burst in 2000 and even more once the economic recession in 2008 hit. They could probably teach you a thing or two about knowing when to weather the storm and when to pivot to something new. They’re incredibly resilient and, in fact, may even crave disruption to their role and industries. They’re natural innovators and are driven by the unknown.
5. Early tech adapters
Millennials might not be digital natives in the sense that they were not born into the widespread use of tech tools, but they’re pretty close. And Gen Zers were practically born with iPhones in their hands. But it was Gen Xers who had to zig-zag from low- to high-tech, likely in their first managerial roles. Gen X leaders are adept at picking up on new technology and they aren’t afraid of implementing new policies and procedures. If something is going to be better for the greater good, Gen Xers won’t stick to old ways simply because that’s the way things have always been done.
6. Proponents of meritocracy
Baby boomers are increasingly staying in their careers for longer, while millennials are not afraid to be vocal about their desire to progress in their roles and responsibilities. In contrast, Gen X is a widely results-based generation and prefers to let their work speak for them.
It might not be ideal in their own roles, but it’s exactly what you want in a leader. In a LiveCareer survey, 91 percent of Gen X workers said regular pay raises were an important factor in their careers. They’ll hold you accountable, to be sure, but they’re also willing to put their money where their mouths are and offer promotions and raises to high performers.
Conclusion
Gen X leaders have a lot to say. Their dedication to positive work culture, collaboration, and flexibility make them exactly who should be leading the charge and influencing the next generation of workers. Other generations might be louder, more tech savvy, or even more loyal, but Gen X has the staying power to weather just about any change the next decade throws at us.
Wondering how your generation affects the way you lead? Use our leadership assessment tool to get a better grasp on what you have to offer.
Article Contributor: Dave Corker
