40 JUNE 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® The “Idiots” Corner by “Billy Bob Smith” Like it or not, you are in a group, so just keep reading. Which generation group are you in and how has it impacted your life? This month, I want share a few of the positives and not just focus on the negatives of a topic. So here I go. What do all the generation groups have in common? For starters, they all have their achievements, lessons learned, and attitudes and behaviors. Let me be totally out there and suggest they all had or have more than their share of idiots too. Yes, each generation has a history of contributing to society in some way and did many positive things that benefited the world around them, but did their mistakes, dumbness, or idiot behaviors in any way counteract some of the positives? Yes, every generation has its history of - the good, the bad, and the ugly - and my intent is not to be morbid and negative, but just point out a few realities. So, who were these groups and how did they behave? The Silent Generation (1928-1945): Characterized by their traditional values and work ethic, the defining moment for Silents was their childhood and how they lived in the shadow of World War II. Because they had to look after their worried parents, they became empathizers, mediators, and conciliators. Because they did not get the opportunity to help solve a worldwide conflict through force of arms, they preferred more intellectual approaches to problems and tried to avoid nasty confrontations. Baby Boomers (1946-1964): Known for their significant impact on culture and economy after World War II, this generation has a preference for structure and discipline and are less inclined to welcome change. Boomers are competitive, so they need recognition and rewards to keep them motivated to achieve more. Baby boomers are regarded as the least tech savvy of all generations, prohibiting their ability to keep up with developments. Generation X (1965-1980): Recognized for their independence and adaptability during economic changes, less than 40% of Gen Xs are satisfied with senior management in their organization and are less inclined to say something if they disagree with management than their successive generations. Gen Xs value being able to do things quickly and are less inclined to spend hours of overtime completing something perfectly. Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996): Known for their tech savviness and emphasis on social issues and due to their independent nature, Millennials are not as interested in teamwork as other generations and don’t have as strong a work ethic, with an average of 38.8 hours spent at work a week compared to previous generations who both average above 40 hours. This generation is impatient when it comes to career growth - 49% are likely to leave a position before two years if they feel their skills are not being developed. Generation Z (1997-2012): Characterized by their digital fluency and activism, Gen Zs are regarded as more cynical than their predecessors, favoring a realistic outlook over the idealism of Gen Y. Gen Zs don’t know much about a time before social media and easily accessible tech. This can make them very reliant on technology to solve problems. Generation Alpha (2013-2024): Gen Alpha kids are highly tech savvy and have a different understanding of the world compared to previous generations. They are also more diverse and globally minded, as they have grown up in a more connected world. However, with this increased exposure to technology and the Internet, there are concerns about the impact on their social skills and attention spans. As a society, we will need to navigate these challenges and find ways to help them thrive in a constantly changing digital landscape. Generation Beta (2025-2039): Who knows what their strengths and weaknesses will be? We will have to wait and see. Well, I could go on for pages about each group’s strengths, weaknesses, and behaviors, but depending on which group you are in, you might not be interested or don’t care about any more information on this topic. Yet, depending on your role and position in business, it might make sense to learn as much as you can to be healthy and positive in your business, social life, or personal relationships. Billy Bob Contact him via e-mail to michele@ worldwidedrillingresource.com
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