GenXers wanted to be valued for their individuality. They seek work-life balance. They want opportunities to build new skills and are whizzes at multitasking, having developed the capacity to process of lots of information simultaneously. They want to be challenged at work and not micromanaged. Feedback on their performance and recognition of their contribution are important to them.
If you are mentoring a Gen-Xer, you will want to keep the following eight strategies in mind:
- Set clear expectations and identify measures of success.
- Get get out of their way and don’t micromanage them.
- Provide regular feedback.
- Build a trusting and collegial relationship.
- Encourage creativity and initiative.
- Stay in contact.
- Recognize their individual achievements.
- Demonstrate your own competence.
