As an Xer, I’ve worked with and managed many Millennials. And there are times when knowing a little about each generation, has helped me to understand a colleague.

When generalising about any group, it’s first necessary to recognise that not everybody in any particular group acts like everyone else. There is often just as much variation within each group, as there is between groups.

However, because generations come of age and enter the workforce around the same time, members of each generation often share similar experiences. And these shared experiences often shape perceptions and work style.

So first off, who is in each generation?

Baby Boomer:born 1943 to 1960 (aged 55-72 today) Gen-Xer:born 1961 to 1981 (aged 34 to 54 today) Millennial:born 1982-2002 (aged 13 to 33 today)

'Millennials also grew up with a lot more encouragement than Xers.' Image via HBO.

To understand an Xer, the first thing to know is that Xers grew up in a largely hands-off culture. Every generation for the past century has grown up with less and less self-autonomy.

Boomers and Xers had pretty similar levels of freedom growing up. Kids could safely be out of sight of their parents for long periods of time. Many Xers were latchkey kids. In contrast, Millennials, due to the technological ease of staying in contact, and changing parenting norms, often weren't out of their parents’ sight until their teenage years.

Millennials also grew up with a lot more encouragement than Xers.

And as a result, Millennials generally feel more comfortable voicing their opinion. Even when they just start a job.

For instance, one Millennial I worked with, just got through training, and was asked by a Senior VP what they thought of the training program.

The Millennial, either not knowing or not caring who was asking the question, quickly answered, "It was boring."

To which the VP replied, "I wrote it." And then, "Who again, are you?"

So, don't talk too much - until you know what you are talking about, and who you are talking to. Xers tend to believe people need to "pay their dues" before voicing opinions.

Millennials talk about what's hot on Mamamia Out Loud.

A few other tips for working together:

This post originally appeared on Quora and was republished here with full permission.