From the course: Managing Generation Z
What makes up a generation?
- So, we're talking about what makes up a generation. Now, the most common starting place is to take a look at how the generations break down by age. - So, first we have the Traditionalist generation, those born before the year 1946. Then came the Baby Boomers, born between the years 1946 and 1964. Then came my dad's generation, Gen X, born between the years 1965 and 1979. Then there was the Millennials, born between the years 1980 and 1994. And then my generation, Gen Z, born between the years 1995 and 2012. - Now, in hearing this breakdown, you might be thinking, "Wait a minute! "I thought the Millennials started a little bit later." Or maybe you're thinking, "Didn't Gen Xers start earlier?" The problem here is that too many people get focused on age and birth years. If you really want to understand what makes up a generation, then you have to look at the events and conditions that shape them. The theory is that each generation has certain events and conditions that take place during their formative years, during adolescence, and as a result, they are then looking through a certain lens, something we call a generational personality. - So, to understand Gen Z, you need to understand what shaped us. We were shaped by things like the economy, politics, the rise of technology, and so many others. - So, clearly they've had their own events and conditions that are different than everybody else's, and that's your job. Get out there and get to know what shaped Gen Z. But more than just what it was, ask them how and why it shaped who they are today. That's how you're going to really understand what makes up Gen Z.
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