Press Room

Generation X vs. Baby Boomers?

Posted on November 01, 2005

By Paul Frankenberg

Most people, I think, would agree that Donald Trump has successfully elevated his profile to a level equal to royalty and high profile celebrities. The Donald lacked any significant prior television experience, but he and NBC developed a show that has captured the attention of millions of viewers each week — for three seasons. If you've ever watched an episode, you're tuned into the show's recurring, weekly format. It's a fast-paced competition pitting men against women, "book smarts against street smarts" and myriad other combinations involving bright, motivated, assertive, successful, and generally photogenic team members. The goal is to test the contestants' egos, intellect, marketing skills, people skills, and ability to function in a high-stress environment. Clearly defined winners and losers are spotlighted every week. However, after three seasons of relative sameness, it's time to find out how two disparate groups can compete in this high-stakes prime-time form at. It's time to pit a group of seasoned Baby Boomers against a group of high energy, techno-enabled, Generation X business professionals.

The format would remain the same; however, adding the single largest demographic in our society to the show's fan base would increase ratings to an all time high. No longer would we pull for Andy or hope that Ivana is fired. Instead, we would find ourselves cheering for the musical fans from the 60's & 70s or those from the 80's & 90's. We would root for either parents and grandparents or young adults. We would pull for proven professionals or recent, ivy-league graduates.

Who would win?

I would bet on the baby boomers. Trump's competitions rarely require sophisticated technological knowledge, physical fitness, or an energy level that would give an immediate advantage to Generation X. What the competitive projects do require, and reward, are clear and concise communication, thoughtful planning, sound tactical execution, and perhaps most of all - teamwork. To me, it is safe to assume that years of experience equates to improved communication skills, planning skills, and real-world experience. I'll bet on the baby boomers.

With the media (CNN, Fortune, Time and WSJ) covering stories about baby boomers being forced out of the workforce well before they are ready to leave, the impact of the show would be significant. Trump's show would provide the stage for baby boomers to convincingly demonstrate what their generation already knows: Baby boomers are not ready to exit the business world. The baby boomer generation is still creating tremendous value and service for their businesses and communities, and the format of The Apprentice would emphatically highlight this point.

I'm going to call NBC and suggest this premise for an upcoming season. As for "real life," I encourage you to stay sharp, continue to learn, and work smart. Competition for positions is increasing rapidly, and those vying for the same jobs include those with book smarts, street smarts, and the baby boomer generation.

Written by Paul Frankenberg. Reprinted with permission from Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management alumni magazine, Owen@Vanderbilt.