Millennials have been getting hammered by the media and their older counterparts for years and it really needs to STOP! I am a Gen X - Boomer cusper, meaning I was born on the year someone decided to change the names. I supposedly possess characteristics from Generation X as well as the Baby Boomers. It is supposed to cause me great anxiety as I plow through life with one foot on each side of the generational line. I guess there is a little truth to that but it is not as black and white as generational “experts” want you to believe.
I consider myself an Intergenerational Engagement “expert” primarily because I have had the opportunity to work around k-12 education for 20 plus years. I have experienced the changing family dynamics at work and in the schools. I’ve seen the positive and negative effects of technology on kids and parents. We are all living in a confusing time and we all seem to me STRESSED OUT! Much of the confusion is coming from personality and generation-based communications challenges. For the first time in our history, we have five generations active in the economy. This creates challenges for employers, marketers, educators and even non-profit organizations. A one size fits all communications or marketing plan will no longer suffice.
My company specializes in helping organizations enhance their internal and external communications by embracing their “Age Diversity.” We help individuals from all generations and each personality style become self-aware by, first understanding why they may act or feel a certain way. We then help them understand the “general” characteristics of others who may be from a different generation or have a polar opposite personality style. As Stephen Covey wisely says,“Seek first to understand, then be understood.”
Those of you who follow my rantings are aware that I am a big Gen Y fan. I believe Millennials will end up being the most creative and giving generation ever. Even though I am not a Millennial, I understand why they get upset with all the stereotypes and generalities that pundits spew about “their kind.” I had the pleasure of coming across the following post by Chloe Bryan that was originally posted on Mashable July 31, 2017. Chloe, a Millennial listed 70 things that her generation has been accused of killing. What I love about her work is that she actually linked to the “murder piece” she referenced for each of the 70 things.
“Here are all the things millennials have been accused of killing. Rest in peace, societal fabric. We hardly knew ye.” Nice work Chloe.
1. Beer
2. J. Crew
4. Motorcycles
5. Diamonds
6. Golf
7. Bar soap
9. Lunch
10. McDonalds
11. Vacations
12. Napkins
13. Cars
14. Crowdfunding
15. Wine
17. The Toyota Scion
18. Fabric softener
19. Marriage
20. The McWrap
21. Handshakes
23. Light yogurt
24. Gambling
25. Hotels
26. Relationships
27. Marmalade
28. Running
29. Cereal
32. Focus groups
33. Travel marketing
34. Working
35. Credit
36. Trees
38. America
40. Home Depot
41. Self-pity
43. Consumerism
44. Suits
45. Dinner dates
46. Movies
47. Sex
48. Gyms
49. Serendipity
50. Loyalty programs
52. Taking risks
53. Patriotism
54. Cruises
55. Applebee’s
56. Fashion
57. Hangout sitcoms
58. The Big Mac
59. Stilettos
60. Romance
61. The 9-to-5 workday
62. The NFL
64. The Olympics
65. Brunch
67. Baby names
68. Banks
69. Oil
70. Everything
At least we’ll always have avocado toast.