Generation X, representing those born between 1961 and 1975, is now heading up countries and companies. Although President Obama garners most of the attention as the most talked about and watched Generation X’er, there is now enough Gen X’ers making their mark in the workplace to discern personalities, management styles and workplace preferences. Tammy Erickson, organization and talent management expert, provides a valuable profile of the Gen Xer in her book What’s Next, Gen X?. Her analysis is a useful tool for tuning recruiters in to the mindset of Generation X.

Skilled in Change Management – In her Harvard Business Review blog, Erickson describes Gen X as “options thinkers.” Watching their parents ill prepared to adapt to global booms and busts, she argues that this generation is resilient and comes with a “portfolio of multiple possibilities” to deal with change in the workplace.

Work-life Balance – Casualties of the Me generation and the overworked executive, Gen X is strongly committed to family and making lots of time for children. This potential worker will highly value a workplace that provides work-life balance.

Flexible Work Options – With baby boomers extending retirement, Erickson notes that Gen X is more open to entrepreneurial opportunities. Gen X’ers, schooled in the realities of today’s workplace, are prepared to take on contract jobs, also known as the portfolio career. Accordingly, a Kelly Services survey found Gen X’ers to be less loyal to companies than other generations.

How can Gen X’ers fit into your organizational structure? Erickson notes that Obama has Gen X in operational roles but baby boomers in advisory roles.

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