As each generation passes, we are seeing huge differences between them. Later generation x and y have one thing in common…Positional authority is out! What does that mean? Gone are the days of instant respect for someone’s title or current stature (whether at a job or someplace us). The “do-it-because-I-said-so” does not work with this generation. This generation has questioned everything.
Most importantly, their respect has to be earned. The old way of thinking was, “They should respect me because I am older, wiser, and have experience.” I am not saying, I am promoting being disrespectful, I am just letting you know how this generation operates. They want to be cared about regardless of titles….So how do you reach them? You reach them right where they are at, you have to forget your titles and accomplishments and stand beside them.
July 31st, 2008 at 10:14 am
Kev, you are so right. This generation comes with a sense of entitlement that can often frustrate their elders. They are being told by their parents, professors and friends to expect $80,000/year out of college, a company car and a gas card. Expectations aren’t being managed properly and so I feel that this has contributed to the current generation questioning everything. Is it wrong? I don’t know, but reaching out to catch them where they are is the way.
The cool part is that it gives you the opportunity to ask much more of them. “Oh, you want a fancy title and all these things? No problem! Here’s a list of things we need to get you there!”
As you said, it is not about fighting this attitude, it is about embracing it, maximizing the contribution that they provide and giving them a game plan to get where they want to be.