X Y and Me

Sarah Sladek will be in town tomorrow. Can't wait! She is a noted author and expert on the matter of Generational Issues in the work place. In my book: this is the #1 issue for workforce development in our community and quite frankly everywhere.

Sladek will point out (hopefully) that never before in the past 200+ years has there been such a gap between succeeding generations. As a Baby Boomer (born 1946 - 64), we pretty much learned to do things with established priorities very similar to our parents and grand parents. Not so with Generation X (born 1964 - 81) nor Generation Y (born 1981 - 95). Their value system, priorities, goals, and thinking has little if any resemblance to that of the Baby Boomer, or Greatest Generation. Quite honestly, wider gaps exist philosophically between Boomers and Y's than existed between those born in the late 1800's and Boomers.

While Baby Boomers have been the largest market segment going for a number of years, the Y Generation will soon have more in the workforce than Boomers and Gen X'ers combined.

Last summer, Ms. Sladek addressed a room full of chamber staffers from around the State of Minnesota. Like many in the room, her comments struck home in both a positive and frustrating manner. Positive in that she accurately described the generational differences, and frustrating in that the Generation X and Y priorities are so far removed from mine as a Baby Boomer.

For those attending tomorrow (or did attend) come prepared to strongly agree with her observations and be prepared to challenge those observations too.

If we as a community are to grow and prosper, it must occur with the participation and support of the members of Generation X and Generation Y. If we aren't paying attention, it's too easy for them to leave and go somewhere else that can meet their priorities. In my opinion, it's that critical.

That's my opinion, how about yours?