Thanks to Jeff for pointing me to a great blog post by Tammy Erickson about conflict between Generation X and Baby Boomers. I had missed the PBS documentary called “Boomer Century,” that aired in March, but apparently it riled up a few of my fellow Xers. A Gen X reviewer in the New York Times said the show did little but “relive Kennedy assassination clichés and revisit palaver about idealism, disillusionment and self-discovery.” Others followed suit, and apparently Boomers shot back, but the blog post doesn’t recount the battle, it looks at the bigger picture.

Erickson argues that we need handle the conflict better (amen).

Going forward, striking a respectful truce with X’ers will need to become an important Boomer priority. Without it, there is the possibility of generational conflict and a paucity of talent to sustain the corporations Boomers have dedicated their lives to.

Repairing relations between these two generations may involve Boomers helping to make corporations more receptive to the needs of Generation X. It may involve getting out of their way gracefully, moving perhaps into individual contributor roles within corporations, and turning the reins of leadership over to them. Or, it may involve shifting Boomer priorities to demonstrate more of the generation’s good qualities: the passion and commitment to change that marked Boomer’s teen years. Boomers have the opportunity to use your large numbers in ways that will further agendas that X’ers would support, to be sensitive to their needs as a generation, as well as your own. Now’s the time.

The conversation reminds me of an important point that was made by Strauss and Howe in their book, Generations. Historically, they have noticed that EVERY generation is ultimately not liked by the generation that follows them. Silents resented the GIs, Boomers rebelled against the Silents. Gen X is annoyed by the Boomers, and as soon as they establish themselves in the workplace, the Millennials are sure to explain why we Xers aren’t cutting the mustard.

Repairing relations will need to become an important Xer priority as well. This is why my book on generational differences spends less time describing the differences among the generations and more time talking about how to deal with them.