A New Generation of Independent Leaders 

It’s the start of your day. Are you focused entirely on what you need to do for others or are you thinking more about how to do it and do it all on your own? People who are naturally more independent of others have no hidden agenda. In fact, what you see if often what you get. They are no-nonsense folks focused on going it alone and getting it done. And, it’s these naturally independent and self-reliant people, who are transforming the world of business today.

Born between 1965 and 1980, Generation X’ers are taking up the leadership roles in organizations and are starting to do some of the heavy lifting being left behind by retiring Baby Boomers and not yet ready to be picked up by the Millennials. And what makes this generation so unique both in its demographics and in its emotional intelligence is a natural inclination toward independence and self-reliance. According to the PEW Research Center, “From everything we know about them, they’re savvy, skeptical and self-reliant; they’re not into preening or pampering, and they just might not give much of a hoot what others think of them. Or whether others think of them at all.”

In the Lumina Emotion personalized assessment, people who are independent of others can be more skeptical and not inclined to trust easily. They like to get to the point, get it done and often like to do it their own way. This attitude may have worked in the past for the Gen X’er, but as leaders taking the reins in business today, it may be time to invite more people to the table and develop the ability to place more trust in others.

If you are generally more independent at work, consider having more regard for others by being on the lookout for things that you value in other people. Acknowledging the strengths and good qualities of other people will help you to be more open and accepting. Try to recognize the way other people react to you emotionally to improve your interpersonal understanding. While you may have the ability to stand alone, there is no need to prematurely shut down others. When you sense that you are getting exasperated easily, make an extra effort not to interrupt and hear others out in full before making up your mind. 

Being independent of others does not imply that you are not a team player. Independent individuals are intrinsically motivated to achieve. For Gen X’ers, it’s this motivation to achieve which will likely make them great leaders and strong managers once they learn they can’t always go it alone. 

For more information on Lumina Emotion, email me at info-us@luminalearning.com or call (888) 827-8855.