To work successfully with Boomers, you have to understand them.

Boomers are good at building relationships and are uncomfortable with conflict. They are team players and expect you to be. Because they want to please, they are sensitive to feedback not only about themselves but also are reluctant to go against their peers. If you criticize a Boomer, be sure that you sandwich the criticism between two “positives” and back your criticisms with facts because Boomers can be judgmental of those who see things differently and will dismiss unsubstantiated criticisms.

Boomers are not naturally budget minded. In fact, they have a love/hate relationship with money and often avoid talking about money. They remember when things were less expensive and are aghast that Xers and Millennial want now, what it has taken a Boomer 30 years to accumulate. Seniority still has meaning to Boomers, as do such things as the corner office.

Boomers tend to put process ahead of results. The “means” are as important as the “ends.” Therefore, they are willing to
spend more time getting the results, especially if it means the process is more service-oriented and user-friendly. If you do not spend the time, you may be seen as a slacker by a Boomer. Boomers go the “extra mile” and expect you to do so as well.