What is the biggest difference you have observed in the management style of Gen Xers and Baby Boomers?
We’ve observed that Boomers tend to hover more and be more hands-on, especially with new and/or younger direct reports. Boomers have a tendency to stay in Hersey’s directive quadrant (Blanchard and Hersey, Situational Leadership) longer than Gen X managers. The Gen X managers we interviewed prefer to be in the background and only be directive at the beginning of projects with regard to results expected. Then, Xer managers are more likely to step away and let direct reports come to them when they require assistance or have a question.
