I’ve been intrigued by this idea of Life/Business Coaching for awhile now, and had the distinct pleasure of attending a meeting of the Professional Coaches And Mentors Association (PCMA) in Santa Monica last night.
This was my second experience as a PCMA guest. Every month they get together with a different speaker/presenter who talks about an issue that is currently affecting the business landscape, specifically in regards to Coaching. They feed us steamed zucchini, some kind of sauced-up chicken, and chocolate-oatmeal cookies. It’s nice. Last night’s topic was on the notion of “succession planning” and how coaches can partner with the idea of legacy building in organizations to be more successful. Now, this is fine and dandy (and frankly, spot-on). But what I found nearly humorous was the audacity of all the baby boomers.
The whole room was boomers, almost. I was there, and the two grad-school-aged daughters of the speaker were there, so we threw the balance off a bit, but mostly: middle-aged know-it-all’s.
Now, don’t get me wrong; I have nothing against these folks. In fact, I rather like them so far (I’ve only been there twice, forgoodnesssake). But, holy shit, are they (as an age group, not as a club) subtly arrogant.
I’m not even sure they know this, to be honest.
Ever talked to a baby boomer? They just have all the answers for everything, don’t they!? They speak of succession, and all the while, just under the surface — if you pay attention — you’ll notice a current, an undertow. If you can find it, the subliminal message will explain just how gosh-darn lucky all we Gen X&Y’ers will be if we can somehow get the Blessed attention of a Boomer long enough for them to give a crap about us. They just have the experience of the ages, you know; consummate and comprehensive. They lived through a bunch of wars, you know. (Not sure if you knew that.)
I don’t want to sound like too much a cynical and angry twentysomething, but I found all the talk of succession planning rather one-sided, if you will. In my mind, these folks are making a pretty big assumption: that we want their jobs. In my experience… not so much. At least not the way they do them, all work and no play.
I also find it fascinating to listen to groups of older people talk about younger people, because there’s always this aire of superiority floating about. “Oh, those darn kids! If they only knew how stupid they are!” Little do they know that I’m sitting in the back, thinking, “Oh, those stupid old people! If they had the humility to actually ASK some of us younger folks, maybe they could learn how to keep their companies from dying.”
Like I said, I’m rather fond of my new almost-friends over at PCMA, and I’m certainly exaggerating to make my point. But, I honestly did find myself wishing they’d have even considered (or mentioned!) asking some upcoming business leaders to give their take on upcoming challenges. I, for one, would love to be part of that discussion. But, again, too often with boomers the discussion is never a discussion at all… it’s a lecture.
Of course, at the end of the day, it’s always a give and take. There is much we younger folks can learn from those older and (sometimes) wiser. And there are always exceptions to the generalization. I just find the consistent arrogance of the executive class repellent, and hope that someday when I inherit their status, I can remember to keep an ear open to the leaders of tomorrow.
P.S. For more commentary on this topic, check out Boomsday by Christopher Buckley.
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