So, be honest, have you ever rolled your eyes when you heard someone say, "Back in my day ..." or "The children of today ... "?

Have you ever said these things?

Mmmm, I thought so.

So, how about we stroll through the seven generations alive today and see what we can learn?

As each generation brings its unique perspective, values, and quirks to the table, shaping the world in its own way, differences emerge, and with them, perceptions are formed. Perceptions that are not always accurate.

1. The Greatest Generation (1901-1927)

The oldest generation alive is known as the Greatest Generation. They are the stalwart heroes who weathered the Great Depression and fought valiantly in World War II.

These folks value hard work, sacrifice, and loyalty above all else.

They're frugal to a fault, having lived through times of scarcity, and they have little patience for frivolity or extravagance. They dislike waste, entitlement, and disrespect for authority.

What Shaped Them: Growing up during the Great Depression and World War II, they had little choice other than to work hard work, make sacrifices, and be resilient. They learned the importance of perseverance and unity in the face of adversity.

Their Perspective: They see younger generations as beneficiaries of their hard-fought battles, hoping that they will carry on their legacy of resilience and selflessness. However, they may also view modern technology and societal changes with scepticism, preferring the simplicity of their own upbringing.

2. The Silent Generation (1928-1945)

Born during the tumultuous years between the Great Depression and the Second World War, the Silent Generation is silent.

They tend to be more reserved and conservative in their values, preferring stability and tradition over change and innovation. They dislike conflict, chaos, and anything that rocks the boat too much.

What Shaped Them: Life was unsettling coming of age during economic uncertainty and social upheaval. And so, the Silent Generation learned to value stability, conformity, and tradition. It meant they were also raised during a time when it was expected to keep quiet and follow the rules.

Their Perspective: They often view younger generations as lacking discipline and respect, nostalgic for the days of hard work and perseverance.

They also see Millennials and Gen Z as too focused on instant gratification, glued to their screens instead of appreciating the value of face-to-face interaction.

3. Baby Boomers (1946-1964)

The Baby Boomers are the generation that brought us tie-dye, rock 'n' roll, and the sexual revolution.

They value individualism, self-expression, and personal fulfilment and are not afraid to fight for what they believe in.

They dislike being told what to do, conformity, and anything that smacks of hypocrisy.

What Shaped Them: Born in the aftermath of the Second World War, Baby Boomers grew up in a period of economic prosperity and social change. Following the war, they were raised in a culture of optimism and abundance, fostering a sense of entitlement and individualism.

Their Perspective: They tend to see themselves as the hardworking backbone of society, often viewing Millennials and Gen Z as entitled and lazy. They shake their heads at the younger generation's obsession with technology, lamenting the loss of simpler times when people knew the value of a dollar.

4. Generation X (1965-1980)

Sandwiched between the idealism of the Baby Boomers and the tech-savvy Millennials, Generation X is often overlooked but not to be underestimated.

They value independence, pragmatism, and work-life balance and are unafraid to challenge the status quo. They dislike pretentiousness, corporate BS, and anything that feels too manufactured or artificial.

What Shaped Them: Generation X came of age during a period of economic uncertainty, divorce, and technological innovation. They learned to be independent, adaptable, and self-reliant as they witnessed the breakdown of traditional family structures and job security.

Their Perspective: They often feel caught in the middle, understanding the perspectives of both Boomers and younger generations. Gen Xers appreciate the innovation and progress brought by Millennials and Gen Z but can also be critical of their reliance on technology and lack of real-world experience.

5. Millennials (1981-1996)

The Millennials are the generation that grew up with technology at their fingertips and participation trophies on their mantels.

They value diversity, inclusivity, and social justice and are unafraid to speak out against injustice. They dislike inequality, discrimination, and anything that feels exclusionary or unfair.

What Shaped Them: Millennials grew up in a time of rapid technological advancement, globalization, and social change. They were raised by Baby Boomer parents who instilled in them a sense of optimism and self-esteem and a desire for instant gratification and validation.

Their Perspective: They see themselves as the misunderstood generation, unfairly labelled lazy and entitled by their elders. Millennials admire the idealism and passion of Gen Z but can also feel frustrated by what they perceive as a lack of focus and commitment.

6. Generation Z (1997-2012)

Born into a world of smartphones, social media, and climate change, Generation Z is coming of age in a period of unprecedented uncertainty and upheaval.

They value authenticity, sustainability, and making a difference in the world, and they're not afraid to challenge outdated norms and systems. They dislike ignorance, apathy, and anything that threatens their future.

What Shaped Them: Generation Z is the first generation to grow up entirely in the digital age, surrounded by smartphones, social media, and instant access to information. They were raised by Gen X parents who valued independence and autonomy but faced economic uncertainty and environmental concerns.

Their Perspective: They are digital natives raised in a world of smartphones and social media. And so, Gen Z often views older generations as out of touch, unable to adapt to rapidly changing technology and societal norms. They value authenticity and diversity, sometimes seeing Millennials as too obsessed with self-promotion and image.

7. Generation Alpha (2013-Present)

Finally, we have Generation Alpha. They, too, are digital natives growing up in a world where technology is as natural as breathing.

They value creativity, innovation, and flexibility and are unafraid to embrace change and adapt to new circumstances. They dislike boredom, rigidity, and anything that feels old-fashioned or outdated.

What Shaped Them: Generation Alpha is coming of age in a world characterized by rapid technological change, environmental challenges, and shifting social norms. They are being raised by Millennial parents who prioritize authenticity, diversity, and social justice but also face the pressures of a hyper-connected and fast-paced society.

Their Perspective: Generation Alpha may still be young, but they are already shaping the future with their innate understanding of technology and diverse global perspectives.

Interestingly, the Greatest Generation often sees Generation Alpha as the future torchbearers entrusted with carrying on the values of hard work and sacrifice. Conversely, Generation Alpha may look up to their elders with a mix of awe and curiosity, eager to learn from their wisdom and experience.

So, How Does This All Play Out in the Real World of Work Today?

Picture this: a Baby Boomer, let's call him Bob, is tasked with coaching a group of Millennials.

Bob has been around the block a few times, seen a thing or two, and maybe even invented the wheel (okay, not really, but you get the idea).

Meanwhile, the Millennials are all about avocado toast, TikTok dances, and questioning authority. Talk about the "generation gap".

So there's Bob, trying to impart his years of wisdom and experience to these young whippersnappers, but it's like speaking a different language.

He's all about traditional values, hard work, and paying your dues, while they're all about work-life balance, flexible schedules, and participation trophies.

Bob tries to teach them the importance of face-to-face communication and building relationships, but they're glued to their smartphones and prefer "WhatsApp" messages to actual conversations.

He's preaching the virtues of loyalty and commitment, but they're all about job-hopping and side hustles.

And don't even get Bob started on their work ethic—or lack thereof. You showed up early in the day, stayed late, and never complained. But these Millennials? They're all about "self-care" and "setting boundaries," meaning leaving work at 5 p.m. on the dot and never answering emails on weekends.

But hey, Bob's nothing if not adaptable. He's willing to meet them halfway, even if it means embracing some of those millennial quirks.

So he starts incorporating emojis into his emails (though he still can't quite figure out what all those little pictures mean), and he begrudgingly sets up a TikTok account (though his attempts at dancing are, shall we say, less than graceful).

And you know what? Despite the occasional clash of generations, Bob starts to enjoy coaching his millennial mentees.

Sure, they may approach things differently, but they have fresh ideas, boundless energy, and a passion for making a difference. Plus, they've introduced him to some pretty excellent avocado toast recipes.

So maybe, just maybe, there's hope for this intergenerational relationship after all.

As long as Bob can keep up with the memes and resist the urge to yell, "Back in my day..." every five minutes, that is.

What About the Future?

Picture this: Millennials, those tech-savvy, socially conscious, avocado-toast-loving folks, are now in the coaching seat, tasked with guiding Generation Alpha, the digital natives who were practically born with smartphones in their hands.

So what's it going to be like?

Millennials will likely find themselves amazed at how effortlessly Generation Alpha navigates the digital landscape.

These kids will be coding before they can walk, designing apps before talking, and probably inventing the next big thing before puberty.

Millennials will be like, "Wait, you mean you don't need a degree in computer science to do that?"

But it won't all be smooth sailing.

Growing up in a world of constant connectivity and instant gratification, Generation Alpha might struggle with attention spans shorter than a TikTok video.

Millennials must find creative ways to keep them engaged and focused, maybe incorporating gamification or interactive learning experiences into their coaching sessions.

And then there's the issue of work-life balance—or lack thereof.

Generation Alpha, raised in an era where remote work and gig economy gigs are the norm, might have trouble understanding the concept of a traditional 9-to-5 job.

Millennials must help them balance hustling for success and taking time to unplug and recharge.

But hey, Millennials are nothing if not adaptable.

They've weathered economic crises, technological revolutions, and more avocado shortages than they care to admit.

They'll embrace the challenge of coaching Generation Alpha with open arms, ready to impart their wisdom and experience to the next generation of leaders, innovators, and avocado aficionados.

And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, Generation Alpha will teach Millennials a thing or two along the way—like how to master virtual reality gaming or communicate using nothing but emojis and GIFs.

After all, learning is a two-way street, and the future is bright for both Millennials and Generation Alpha.

So there you have it—the seven generations alive today, each with unique values, preferences, and dislikes.

Whether you're a hardworking member of the Greatest Generation or a tech-savvy Gen Z-er, there's something to be learned from each generation's perspective.

After all, diversity of thought makes the world such an interesting—and sometimes challenging—place to live.

Each generation's characteristics are shaped by the unique historical, social, and economic factors they experienced during their formative years.

Understanding the root causes behind these characteristics allows us to gain insights into the values, beliefs, and behaviours that define each generation.

Until next time, have fun interacting with different generations.

Dion Le Roux