WORKSHIFTER - Dispatches from the New Executive Frontier

I recently read an interesting column from Dale Dauten in the Boston Globe that I wanted to share. The column, entitled “When it comes to hiring, 50 is the new 25,” talks about a recent study by Atlantic Associates, a staffing company based in Boston, which asked a sample of executives in Massachusetts which generation group was the "most difficult to manage." The options included baby boomers, Millennials/Generation Y and Generation X.

The survey found that the Gen Y’s were the most difficult to work with, which may or may not surprise you. After all, there is always talk about the changing dynamics between employer and employee as the Gen Y enters the workforce and demands a more nontraditional work model. However, what was most interesting to me was Dale’s discussion of “business maturity” within the baby boomer generation. I do think there is something to be said about experience here. Working with accomplished professionals, I see more of a demand than ever for experienced executives who have this maturity and knowledge to lead a successful business initiative. And as Dale points out, because baby boomers have “learned the ropes” so to speak, they have seen the changes in business and are able to adapt and thrive in new environments.

http://www.boston.com/jobs/news/articles/2008/02/17/when_it_comes_to_hiring_50_is_the_new_25/