Hey friend,
I keep hearing the same thing from nearly every coaching call I’m on lately.
Just last week, a client who’s built an amazing business over 20 years told me:
“I feel like I’m stuck between two worlds at work. My younger team members talk about tools and apps I’ve never even heard of. My older employees resist change and dig their heels in. As a Gen Xer, I’m caught in the middle, wondering if I even belong here anymore.”
Does that sound familiar?
Here’s what’s happening: For the first time ever, we have FIVE different generations in the workplace at once. And as Gen X’rs, we’re literally in the middle of it all.
Why Being in the Middle Feels Hard
Think about how unique this is:
We didn’t grow up with smartphones, but we’ve learned to use them.
We’ve seen old-school leadership in action, and we know it really needs some updating.
We value both tradition AND new ideas.
We get both our older team members AND our younger ones
This middle position should be our strength. Instead, it leaves us doubting ourselves.
That Awkward Tech Moment
Ever had a younger employee mention some new app “everyone’s using” and felt that flash of insecurity?
Or had your experienced staff push back when you suggest changing a process that “works just fine”?
That uncomfortable feeling is what I call the “Digital Confidence Gap”, the space between what you know and what keeps changing every day.
A study found that 75% of leaders have felt like impostors at some point. For us, Gen X’rs dealing with constant tech changes, those feelings can hit even harder.
The Truth About Your “Middle Position”
Here’s what you might not realize: being in the middle isn’t your weakness, it’s your superpower.
Younger generations know the newest digital tools. Older generations have years of business wisdom. But YOU can understand and connect BOTH worlds.
You get why established processes matter AND why innovation is necessary.
This makes you the perfect bridge builder when businesses desperately need someone who can connect different viewpoints.
Three Ways to Use Your Middle Position
Be the Translator
When your team disagrees across generational lines:
- Show you understand both sides
- Point out the value each perspective brings
- Help them find middle ground together
Don’t feel stuck in the middle; be the connector (the bridge).
NOTE: This is not to say that you are the “fixer.”
Set Up Skill-Sharing Pairs
Match up team members from different generations:
- Younger people can teach digital skills
- Experienced people can share business knowledge
- YOU learn from everyone while helping them appreciate each other
This turns potential conflict into learning opportunities.
Ask Questions Instead of Giving Answers
When facing generational differences:
- Ask “What can we learn from both approaches?”
- Try small experiments rather than making big decisions
- Show how different viewpoints can lead to better solutions
Your comfort with complexity is exactly what leadership looks like today.
Middle Position = Power Position
We need leaders who can bridge the gap between generations, between old and new approaches, between proven wisdom and fresh ideas.
Your experience navigating these different worlds isn’t something to feel unsure about. It’s exactly what makes you the right leader for right now.
Next time you feel caught in the middle, remember: you’re not trapped.
You’re the essential bridge.
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xoxo
Tonya Kay
Leader – Coach – Speaker – Relator
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P.S. Which generation is toughest for you to connect with at work? Hit reply and tell me – I’d love to share some specific tips in my next email!
Lead Across All Generations
→ Struggling with tech-savvy younger team members? Learn simple ways to build respect while using their digital skills to your advantage. Connect with me.
→ Want to turn generational differences into team strengths? Book a Strategy Session.
→ Need more confidence in today’s digital world? Learn how your Gen X perspective can actually be your biggest leadership advantage.
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