Guiding Generation Alpha: Wisdom and Legacy Across Seven Generations

One of my greatest joys today is observing my grandchildren, part of the newly emerging Alpha Generation. As I watch them navigate their digital world, I find myself reflecting on just how different my own childhood was at their age. The Alphas, with their iPads, smartphones, and access to artificial intelligence, are growing up in a world I could hardly have imagined. Their music, TikTok trends, and YouTube content create a cultural landscape that feels almost foreign to me, yet I find myself learning as they grow. Witnessing this interplay from a front-row seat is a joy, though keeping up with the ever-evolving apps and trends can be a challenge.

In today’s world, these generational differences are more evident than ever, especially as workplaces often include four to five generations working side by side. Understanding these differences is essential for both businesses and families. The future workforce, someday to be led by Generation Alpha, will face challenges unique to their digital upbringing, alongside the pressures many parents now navigate. The recent mental health concerns highlighted by the Surgeon General reflect a world where rising costs for health care, child care, elder care, housing, and groceries weigh heavily on families.

Reflecting on how things have changed, I’m reminded of our own family’s journey. We missed the joy of several traditional Easter egg hunts at my parents’ house, with family gathered around the table—travel tournaments seemed to outweigh family holidays as we headed in different directions. It was all part of the pursuit, but we sure did laugh at how things turned out! Yet, it’s in guiding the Alphas through these complex times that we have the opportunity to reinforce what truly matters—results, relationships, legacy, and values that stand the test of time.

Navigating a multigenerational world isn’t always easy. Each generation brings its own strengths, challenges, and distractions. My experiences spanning seven generations have taught me a lasting truth: while values and methods shift over time, the need to learn, adapt, and evolve remains constant. One of my biggest hopes is that today’s youth will continue the tradition of reading, deep learning, and curiosity, embracing both the digital and the tangible. This love for learning is something I share with my friend Kevin Quinn, who grew up with a strong encouragement to read.

These days, kids are stuck on smartphones and iPads, playing their own mind-consuming games rather than reading or playing outside. Even colleges now include gaming centers to attract more game-centric students. I once asked Kevin, “I didn’t start reading until I was in my mid-30s. What propelled you to read?” He told me, “Joe, when I was a kid, if my dad was around and we were watching TV, he’d shut it off and say, ‘You have two choices: go read a book or go outside and play.’ Needless to say, when the weather was crappy, I’d read—and when it was nice out, I did a lot of playing.”

Whether it’s the resilience of the Greatest Generation, the tenacity of Baby Boomers, the adaptability of Gen X, the purpose-driven mindset of Millennials, the tech fluency of Gen Z, or the autonomy of Generation Alpha, what truly matters is the legacy we leave and the results we deliver.

Linda Ronstadt once said, “No one has connected one generation to the next better than the Eagles, better than any behavioral scientist can.” I have to agree. The Eagles’ music bridged generations when I was a teen; my kids love them, just as I do, while my grandchildren are more tuned into TikTok than classic rock—I’m fairly certain they have no idea who Don Henley is. Yet this ability to connect across generational lines speaks to a larger truth: while each generation’s methods may change, certain values remain constant—results, legacy, relationships, lifelong learning, and core principles.

Today, seven generations are thriving together, each leaving their mark on the world. One of my proudest moments was watching my Gen X daughter tell her Greatest Generation grandmother that she planned to name her soon-to-be-born Alpha daughter after her. Now, I watch my children—Millennials and Gen Z—guide and shape the values of their Alpha children, while we grandparents offer wisdom, support, and, occasionally, a bit of discipline.