Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X & Boomers Have Very Different Ideas Of How To Act Around Authority Figures
fizkes / Shutterstock It's pretty much a basic fact of life that in certain situations someone has to be in a position of authority and others have to follow. But even though we all know that, some people seriously struggle with knowing how to handle it.
Some generations were taught to automatically follow every rule, while others aren't nearly as concerned with titles and would rather everyone be treated like equals. And then there are those who know exactly when to speak up and when it's better not to rock the boat.
Gen Z, millennials, Gen X, and baby boomers all have their own ideas of how to act around authority figures.
Much of what determines these behaviors can come down to the generation someone grew up in and the relationship they and other people their age have with people in power.
Baby boomers believe most authority figures should be shown respect.
Boomers tend to place a lot of importance on respecting authority figures, especially when it comes to people who have more experience or are in a leadership position. They were raised with fairly traditional concepts of hierarchy, so things like showing good manners and addressing people appropriately are pretty much basic common sense.
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When they disagree with an authority figure, they often feel that there's a right time and place to speak up. They may prefer handling conflicts privately rather than calling someone out in front of a group. To them, knowing how to carry yourself around someone in charge is an important life skill, and there's something to be said for showing restraint.
Gen X takes a more independent approach to authority.
Gen Xers are generally comfortable respecting someone's position without always assuming that person knows best. Having grown up with a strong emphasis on self-reliance, many members of this generation would rather be judged by their work and capabilities than by how well they follow rules.
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Like boomers, they're also pretty good at picking their battles. Gen X is willing to say something when a situation is unfair or doesn't make sense, but they won't turn everything into a big confrontation. They'd rather get on with their day and just do their jobs.
Millennials view authority figures through the lens of mutual respect.
If they don't understand a decision, millennials find it easier to question someone in charge. As they began entering the workforce, expectations were shifting. They became far more interested in collaboration than previous generations, leaving behind rigid hierarchies. They want to feel like their opinions matter, even when they're not the ones calling the shots.
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Millennials appreciate authority figures who are approachable. A title alone won't earn their respect. They value leaders who communicate openly and treat everyone like a person, not a subordinate. While they can follow rules just fine, they don't see a reason why respect can't go both ways.
Gen Z is less intimidated by traditional ideas of authority.
This young generation isn't afraid to challenge outdated rules and ask questions when something seems off. Having grown up with constant access to information and online conversations, many Gen Zers are less inclined to accept someone's opinion simply because they're in a position of authority. They want to understand the reasoning behind their choices.
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Overall, they expect leaders to be authentic and willing to admit when they're wrong. Gen Z often expects to be treated as an equal rather than someone who should stay quiet and do what they're told. They aren't necessarily disrespectful; they just don't think people should automatically get respect.
Kayla Asbach is a writer with a bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida. She covers relationships, psychology, self-help, pop culture, and human interest topics.
