Why You Want Gen X Leading Your Virtual Teams

Virtual teams need leaders to make them great — Gen X is the generation to do it.

In a 2024 Generations at Work Report, workers named Gen Xers the best managers overall. That may seem surprising given that Gen X has long been seen as the “silent” generation, the small, largely overlooked cohort sandwiched between the much larger, louder Boomer and Millennial generations.

Most profiles of Gen X aren’t particularly flattering. They typically focus on skeptical cynicism rather than independence, strong work ethic, and the ability to thrive in hyper-collaborative environments. But here’s why Gen X actually makes the best virtual team leaders.

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Gen Xers: The Generational Bridge

Well into middle age now, Gen Xers have worked alongside Boomers for decades. They were in the workforce when Millennials arrived and are currently helping Gen Z find their footing. This gives them a unique, cross-generational perspective that supports team cohesion and interaction.

They understand Boomers’ need for face-to-face communication, appreciation for loyalty, and respect…