My father’s generation came through the Great Depression and World War II. Because those times were so uncertain, security was, and remained, a critical factor for this generation. It might even have been the most relevant, predominant one for them. But companies and parents are learning that there are different factors for baby boomers, gen X-ers, and gen Y-ers.

“Boomers tend to give themselves over to their jobs,” says Claire Raines, co-author of Generations at Work (AMACOM, 1999). They believe in paying dues, playing by the rules, and building careers. Their feedback and guidance is indirect and considerate of people’s feelings. “They’re process-oriented,” Raines says. “They’re trained to believe that business results and relationships are intertwined.”

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