Monday, August 11, 2008

A Whirled Away

Gen X seems to get much more respect Down Unda:



That could be a generational thing. Generation X has emerged in a far more volatile, dynamic and global environment than its predecessors. Those born in the mid-1960s and beyond take it for granted that their environment is both global and fluid. As a broad generalisation, they appear more comfortable with uncertainty than those who grew up within far more regulated, stable and insular settings.

2 comments:

Le said...

hello there - from down under ... you might like this little splinter from a real life gen X down under child ...

About three years ago while out from full time work having babies I was contracted by a peak body to write a course "Executive Leadership in Local Government".

Having been a young 34 yrs CEO in local govt maybe I did know something about the subject.

Or maybe not ... fake it till you make was my war cry for the first six months ...phone a friend was always option number two ...

A couple of old ex ceo boomer types had tried - done about 10% of the work and walked away.

So I get offered the gig - I take it, do it and deliver it. With some good input from others along the way. Thanks team.

Then the decision comes as to who should facilite the three days face to face sessions .... Pick me, pick me - I volunteer me. I am available.

Noooo sorry little girl we need a Professor from some interstate uni who charges your weekly rate in one day - yes sir ee Bob - thats the baby boomer man for the job ... never been a CEO in local government though ... but yes a learned old school gent.

While I might have been 'good enough' to write it - I was not in contention for delivering it. Not part of the baby boomer mates network ...

So time goes by - I do other things - the management at the top of the peak body hosting organisation changes ... enter a Gen X female CEO.

And the call goes out ...Come on back girlfriend - facilitate the course - times have changed ... gen X are moving in ... I was just ahead of the times ..

Out with the old boomer - in with the new Xer. Happy to do it, but guess what you can pay me what you paid the baby boomer professor - thanks very much.

I feel like I'm Caeser coming back to Rome - or better yet Celopatra coming back to Egypt ... I am chuffed. And trying not to be too smug ...

Xers are making a mark now - finally having some recognition of the dynamic skill base we bring - not just as managers - but as leaders .... ye ha ... I should go put this on my own blog now ...apologies to rave in your space :) xox

Wek said...

Thanks for swingin' in! Rant all you wish in my comment section, I don't care!

Austrialia definitley seems to recognize Gen X moreso than the U.S. We barely register on the radar over here.