The boomers of today lived a significantly different life growing up than what is available in the modern world. Their senses are finely tuned to an era when certain archaic constructs such as the war and drugs, reigned supreme. They had abundant opportunities in a world that was growing. They participated in two fundamental step function changes in the economy – the computer and the internet – that provided them with plenty of opportunity. Their outlook of life is shaped by what they have been endowed and what they know.
In the modern world, however, this is akin to a hangover. This hangover is killing companies and countries led by people who do not have any connection to the present. They look to the X and Y generation and find them lazy and they see the Z generation as utterly dumb. This perception cannot be any further from the truth. The hangover that prevents the next generation from taking control of their lives, companies and countries is the biggest threat to humanity today. To make matters worse, the boomers are in firm control of most of the productive assets of the world and they are getting more powerful.
The boomers are out of touch with the current realities. It is a different world – the next generation do not want segmentation and their faces are in a singular book across the world. They use networks and not bombs to unseat autocrats and they are constantly in touch using always-on technologies. Boomers simply do not have the competence or the knowledge to lead in today’s world. It is time for them to retire and usher in a much more productive world led by innovation and not bureaucratic friction.
Curious point of view, what X, Y or Z is innovative enough to take over for Steve Jobs?
ReplyDeleteWhy do you think that a group that embraces new technology can lead? Bombs unfortunately have not been replaced by social networks yet, even in Egypt. My observation is the younger generations have adopted new technologies for social interaction at the expense of, face to face, one on one, conversation. When I was younger I always assumed I knew more than those more senior than I. As I grew more mature, I realized what an ass I was. Leadership is just not handed over, it must be gained through significant accomplishment. Further, that accomplishment must be recognized by others as significant, that is often harder to achieve.
Your Friend Clarence
Clarence:
ReplyDeleteYour point is well taken. What I was debating more had to do with organizational structure itself - and not individual. In my book, Flexibility, I argue that contemporary companies are structured similar to the era when the production of nuts, bolts and automobiles was the dominant component of the economy.
Today's economy, however, is substantially different, making those structures and skills less relevant. It is unclear, however if X and Y will be any better. But we have to start that experiment early - I believe.