Why Generation X May Inevitably Need to Re-generate Themselves In a Changing World

By Mwangi  Wanjumbi – Newtimes B.S. CEO & Chief Consultant/Trainer

Are you one of those born just about the same time as Kenya?  Alternatively, did you by any chance finish schooling (up-to University) before 1992, when Kenya started gaining the second liberation? If your answer is in the affirmative, then it is certainly you that I am seeking to engage. My interest in you is based on the fact that we all grew up experiencing similar challenges, in the same hostile environment whether rural or urban based. And that environment made us become what we (mostly) are rather than what we ought to have become.

Generation x, who have largely parented generation Y (whose challenges I highlighted about last week), are an invariably disadvantaged lot. Why say so? My research which unfortunately is not statically supported (even though I can produce an international research if supported by any interested stakeholders – already, I have one internationally published research) has brought forth some interesting reasons, which have put generation X in a precarious position. Why?

Firstly, Generation X was born either just before independence (1963) or slightly thereafter, and latest in the 70’s. They went to school when the country was still very young and dominated by very few vocations. The teacher was then one of the greatest influencers in the society. But, to students, the teacher was the feared terrorist of those days.

Besides carrying the dust oriented chalk, the teacher irrespective of gender was ever having a cane at hand. The same was readily used for not only punishing the errant, but also instilling fear to the rest, whether in or outside class. This fear driving weapon was highly prominent, right from primary up-to secondary school. Incidentally, the cane was supplied from Kiganjo Police College, for those like me, who schooled near there. Consequently, and in light of this well embedded fear, generation x could not question anything either in the society or in school.

Secondly, Generation X largely pursued university education during the cold war. That was before economic liberalization and then new and still prevalent world order of openness that was precipitated by the fall of the Berlin wall (in 1989). The animosity between the East and West irreparably affected Generation x. Free thought and sharing of ideas was unheard of. Free thinkers and would be shakers of the society were continually admonished.

In the worst case scenario, they were secluded from the society through detentions without trial. This largely affected members of the faculties as well as student leaders of our then few universities.  The impact of removal of these free thinkers then termed as radicals, naturally cascaded to the society. The latter complied with authorities’ desire of not being questioned on any misdeeds going on those days. Ironically, creativity, critical thinking and therefore problem solving as well as innovation techniques of a whole generation were lost only through suppressing free thinking.

Thirdly, graduating from university was not the beginning of freedom as could have been imagined. At work, the boss was always right. His or her word would never be questioned by junior employees (read management trainees for new graduate entrants). It did not matter whether the boss was endowed with knowledge or not. It did not even matter how the boss had acquired his/her position. So, the requirement for not questioning anything continued.

Fourthly, Generation x most of who have had one leg in the rural areas and the other in the cities as well as urban centers are products of a harmonious culture, especially synonymous with African and Oriental societies. The same is characterized by need for agreeing with everybody and everything, especially when propagated or advocated by the older members of the society. This is a generation whose competitive attitudes have only been taught by the school system and now enforced by an evolving society. No wonder, this generation x is not only risk averse but also not aggressive in nature. How can they when they have been socialized to be harmonious?

Naturally, the fear factor, unquestioning attitude, risk averseness and more, lead to passive change resistance and therefore complacency. It also means low uptake and even appreciation of rapidly advancing technology. The end result is challenged innovation or continuous improvement skills especially in the workplace. Do you see the same being impediments to leadership? Conversely, how does generation y fair on these attributes?

Ideally, the comparison presents a depressing picture. Generation Y behaves exactly the opposite of generation x. Whether consciously or unconsciously, generation x, is unquestioning and largely complacent, as had been seen. Further, majority compete only when they have to. Yet, they make the majority in most management teams. Needless, to analyze the intricate details of generation x any further, it follows that majority are by default not in tune with a highly competitive and dynamic world. Or is that in doubt?

However, that is with the exception of those who may have re-entered school from the 90’s and the new millennium. The same have not only interacted with generation y, but also largely acquired new skills sets, attitudes and therefore mindsets, which are largely in line with the continuing global trends.

Therefore, without any fear of contradiction, I am urging my generation x colleagues to embrace change, adopt new cultures, attitudes and above all new paradigms (re-brand in other words). This will enable them to continually be relevant not only in the employment, but also the business sector. Those who can, may need to re-enter the school for new learning orientations and eventually, globally re-aligned cultures and mindsets. Nevertheless, they have to exercise caution in what they learn and that is where our unique training solutions come in hardy. Why? Will many things not have worked against the prevailing situation by the time they re-enter school and complete the whole process?

Invariably, it may be advisable for all to undergo our 3-4 day( almost a whole semester)  organizational culture change/employee re-branding training, which without doubt will fast-track acquiring the paradigm shifts that are inevitable for generation x. It is only then that they will start becoming not only continually relevant, but also compatible with the ‘consuming’ and employment ready (but sometimes jobless) generation y.

But, for those who don’t embrace our training solutions, what will they study and why? Incidentally, we have been posing these questions and more to even university professors, many of whom become lost of words, as has been previously documented. Meanwhile, do kindly have a week full of reflections on personal re-generation.