Gen X CEOs are trending, and we’re not just talking start-ups and tech companies. Stalwarts like McDonalds, Harley-Davidson and 21st Century Fox recently put Xers in charge.
As the “gray ceiling” in the C-Suite cracks and Boomers pass the baton, corporate culture will change. Here's how.
Relatable Leaders? Thank Mom.
Gen X leaders are proving less autocratic and more relational in their management styles. If that suits you, thank their working moms. New studies reveal a link between working mothers and sons more comfortable with the nurturing side of leadership. And if your new CEO is a woman, thank mom again. Daughters of working mothers rise higher in the organization.
Nimble
Then there’s reaction time. Xers have known accelerating change, globalization and unstable economies all their lives. They are likely to react quickly to sudden shifts and to be more comfortable with risk.
Fans of Flat
The biggest changes may be structural. Just-do-it Xers like it flat. X has always challenged policy and procedures that get in the way of getting ‘er done. No surprise then, that Gen X execs are reducing management layers. When Chuck Robbins (49) took the helm at Cisco Systems, he created a smaller leadership team with more operational people reporting directly to him. With fewer steps between the top of the org chart and the bottom, X leaders are closer to the front line—and maybe closer to you.
Amy Lynch
Harness the Power of Generational Intelligence. Amy Lynch helps the generations understand each other. She has spoken to 100s of groups from MTV and Comcast to Boeing, J&J and the staff of the U.S. Senate. Contact Amy about your next event.