Meet The Boomers

Born between:
1946 - 1964

When you think of this generation think:
Individuality, "Me" Generation

Formative events:
The Civil Rights Movement
John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, Martin Luther King assassinations
Vietnam War
Woodstock
The Cold War
Roe vs. Wade

Think of:
The Beatles
Bill Gates
Bill Clinton
Oprah Winfrey
Muhammad Ali

Boomers: An Overview
Today the Boomers are in control. They run our local, state, and national governments, they are the bosses, supervisors, managers, and CEOs of most companies, and they dominate the workforce because of their enormous numbers. They are an amazing workforce because of their dedication to a solid, strong work ethic that is uniquely defined by them as working long and hard and being seen doing it. The word “workaholic” was coined to describe the Boomers. They believe in “face time” with their bosses – they must be seen working hard or else that work ethic wasn’t benefiting them.

The Matures laid the groundwork for the United States to become an influential member of the world community. The Boomers came behind then and set the wheels in motion. Through their enormous numbers (77 million), their intense work ethic, and their competitive nature, the Boomers got productivity in US to the forefront of the world community. The Boomers also believe in the sanctity and the importance of the individual. Developing themselves into a more “whole” person is very important. Part of becoming a better person is learning to operate as a fluid member of a team, and the Boomers are champions of teamwork.

Boomers today are still working as hard as they’ve ever worked but some are asking themselves if their intense work ethic has paid off the way they had hoped. The Boomers entered the workplace with company loyalty was still standard. They’ve seen that change dramatically, though, as tough economic conditions have required layoffs and downsizings. Their work ethic may have gone unrewarded and they are wondering if they’ve missed critical parts of their lives while giving the company 110%. The Boomers are evolving today and in the second halves of their lives will live with a different focus.

Boomers in the workplace
In the workplace, Boomers:

* Believe in, champion, and evaluate themselves and others based on their work ethic.
* Work ethic for Boomers is measured in hours worked. Measuring productivity in those hours is less important.
* Believe teamwork is critical to success.
* Believe relationship building is very important.
* Expect loyalty from those they work with.

Boomers in the marketplace
In the marketplace, Boomers:

* Are interested in products and services that will allow them to regain control of their time.
* Believe technology brings with it as many problems as it provides solutions.
* Want products and services that have been customized for them, the individual.
* Believe rules should be obeyed unless they are contrary to what they want; then they’re to be broken.
* Want products and services that will indicate to their peers that they’re successful.