I agree with the earth/moon metaphor, but if that’s true, then I wouldn’t say “forget” generations. Being able to see the earth from the moon is actually significant. Knowing that there are continents, that there are people in other parts of the world, that the world is not flat. These are important. This information may not give you precise answers or tell you exactly what to do, but knowing it is better than NOT knowing it.

I feel the same way about generations. It’s background information that has, in fact, helped me as I figure out what to do in certain organizational situations. But it doesn’t tell me what to do, and it never tells me what a specific individual is going to do or think.

@Elizabeth – This post was totally inspired by our YAPPY Hour conversation. It occurred to me that generation discussions often spur disagreements based on different delimiters and perceptions. In the end, we’re all right and we’re all wrong. Isn’t there a better way to look at it?

@David – Doh! Using my own words against me. LOL. To be fair, my own attitude about using age as a demographic has evolved over the last few months. You’re right, though. It is an important clue, sometimes. And for groups like AARP, for example, it’s vitally important.

Relying solely on age – or any other demographic – to make decisions is very dangerous.

It’s people’s experiences that really matter. As they get older they may have the opportunity to learn from experience – but they don’t always take advantage of that opportunity.

So age may matter, but not always.

Except for the fact that I claim Barack Obama as the first Gen-X president (which he is, depending on which definition you pick of where Gen X begins).