Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Face it Baby Boomers, X and Y have arrived
For the first time in their generation Baby Boomers are seeing their power waning. The generation that first experienced television was catapulted into power before most of the generation’s age had reached double digits. They did so on the strength of simple things like the Hula Hoop and Frisbee. Marketers like McDonald's learn they could move much more product by taking their message directly to the children, bypassing parents.
Baby Boomers were influential in ending the Vietnam War, beginning the suburban sprawl, and expanding individual homeownership. Through it all they assumed leadership in the business, educational, religious, and political arenas.
The Baby Boomer reign is over.
Last year several surveys showed that Baby Boomers were ready to hand over the reins of the business world. The results indicated the boomers want relief from the stress of business leadership, preferring to let the younger Generation X have a chance to fully develop the new contemporary management style. This is not just an American trend, it is happening throughout Europe and Asia as well.
The worldwide political scene is also experiencing this age shift in leadership. In December, Fidel Castro, who has been leader of Cuba for almost the entirety of the Baby Boomer's lifespan, was ready to turn over leadership to the younger generation.
In the United States, the recent Iowa caucus saw record numbers of Generations X and Y turning out to support candidate most exemplifying the desires and wishes of their generation. Most specifically, they desire to do away with the partisan battles that have stalemated our government. Other candidates are quickly redefining themselves to show they can also deliver what Generations X and Y are looking for: a fresh approach.
For the first time in their generation Baby Boomers are seeing their power waning. The generation that first experienced television was catapulted into power before most of the generation’s age had reached double digits. They did so on the strength of simple things like the Hula Hoop and Frisbee. Marketers like McDonald's learn they could move much more product by taking their message directly to the children, bypassing parents.Baby Boomers were influential in ending the Vietnam War, beginning the suburban sprawl, and expanding individual homeownership. Through it all they assumed leadership in the business, educational, religious, and political arenas.
The Baby Boomer reign is over.
Last year several surveys showed that Baby Boomers were ready to hand over the reins of the business world. The results indicated the boomers want relief from the stress of business leadership, preferring to let the younger Generation X have a chance to fully develop the new contemporary management style. This is not just an American trend, it is happening throughout Europe and Asia as well.
The worldwide political scene is also experiencing this age shift in leadership. In December, Fidel Castro, who has been leader of Cuba for almost the entirety of the Baby Boomer's lifespan, was ready to turn over leadership to the younger generation.
In the United States, the recent Iowa caucus saw record numbers of Generations X and Y turning out to support candidate most exemplifying the desires and wishes of their generation. Most specifically, they desire to do away with the partisan battles that have stalemated our government. Other candidates are quickly redefining themselves to show they can also deliver what Generations X and Y are looking for: a fresh approach.
Labels: Baby-Boomer, Gen-X, Gen-Y, Generation, Leadership
¶ 1/09/2008
