If a generation had a personality, what would it be?

People of all ages frequently ask us about generational differences in personality. And, we are continually amazed at how well the Process Communication Model® helps our clients solve tough generational issues such as communication, motivation, succession planning, job matching, mentoring, leadership coaching, parenting, and personal development.

We live and work in a multi-generational environment. Veterans are retiring, Boomers are trying to manage GenXers, and Gen Y Millennials are asserting themselves everywhere. If a generation had a personality, what would it be? We’ve done our research and have crafted our best guess at PCM personality structures for each generation.

A couple of caveats. First, these personality structures are only our interpretation and are intended to capture the overall essence of the generation, much like a caricature. Second, just as an individual’s personality is shaped by his environment, so too a generation’s personality is shaped by what it went through and had to do to survive. Third, although we suggest that generational personalities have changed over time, we have no evidence that actual percentages among individuals have changed. All it means is that certain types and their character strengths were more suited to surviving and shaping the prevailing life conditions. The result is a cultural personality that is more valued. Those who possess the specific traits are more successful and set the rules. The rest of us try to stay out of distress!

In every generation there have also been people who don’t fit in, who counter the status quo and are either marginalized, or find success in unique ways. The personality structure of these types changes as the prevailing generational personality also changes. We always have the toughest time with personality types at the top of our condo!

Veterans: Our Connection to the Past

Baby Boomers: Bridge between old and New

Generation X: The Emergence of External Motivation

Generation Y: Transcend and Include

Meanwhile, we invite you to get involved in our online PCM community at GotProcess.com.