Change Resisters–Boomers or Millennials?
Many boomers believe millennials resist change. Many millennials believe boomers resist change. Who is correct? Could it be neither?
Consider the following three ideas:
Pace of Technology – Millennials and Generation 9/11 will likely experience more technology advancements and change during their lifetime as compared to boomers. The pace of technology driving change appears to be accelerating.
To-date Reality – At any given moment in time, earlier generations have experienced the most change. After all, they have more years of experience and have lived what everyone from recent generations has lived, plus everything before those generations. (A 55 year old has 25 more years of experience as compared to a 30 year old, but both have experienced the most recent 30 years.)
Saturation – Consider that everyone has a tolerance for the volume or quantity of change, and as many may suggest, differing levels of interest for change. If this is true, it only makes sense that earlier generations have experienced more and may not be as tolerant of, or interested in, change.
Popular wisdom among change experts is that change resistance has little or nothing to do with generations. During a change event nearly everyone, or anyone, may feel a loss of control and a push (or shove) from their comfort zone. It is this uneasy, nervous, and fearful feeling that often causes resistance, couple that with those who have an opposing view and you have the perfect storm for change resistance.
While generational differences may be inclusive of some change resistance, they are typically not the root cause.
– DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker, and coach that specializes in helping businesses and individuals accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. He is the author of the newly released book, Forgotten Respect, Navigating A Multigenerational Workforce. Reach him through his website at DennisEGilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
