GenX: The Leaders we Need

As roles in corporate, non-profit and governmental leadership begin to pass from those born in or before the 1950s to those born in the 60s and 70s, will we see a different style of leadership emerge?

In a recent Harvard Business blog post, Tammy Erickson posits that we will: “The experiences that shaped those of you who were teens in the late ’70s and ’80s… translate into valuable contemporary traits and perspectives.” Whereas the idealism and ideological imperatives of post-war baby boomers have driven the last twenty years, GenX leaders will bring a pragmatic style, and focus on effectiveness—on setting and achieving important goals. Erickson suggests that their timing is perfect:

Future leaders in all spheres will have to contend with a world with finite limits, no easy answers, and the sobering realization that we are facing significant, seemingly intractable problems on multiple fronts. Perhaps the biggest change from the past: leaders will have to listen and respond to diverse points of view. There will be no dominant voice.

It comes as no surprise to those of us engaged with social entrepreneurship that the trend toward values-driven leadership will only accelerate. We will take the “opportunity to change the corporate template,” and “look for a different way forward.” And we will do so in an inclusive, open and transparent manner.

GenXers will respond to the call to “serve as effective stewards of both today’s organizations and tomorrow’s world.”

As a child of the 70s, I’m ready to go.

Are you?