“My opinion on Generation Y? They are too arrogant to comprehend.”
“Spoiled and currently not suitable for the corporate world.”
“They need to be aware who’s boss.”
Why is it that today’s leaders have such difficulty with Generation Y? Where did it go “wrong” with this generation? What made them become so “arrogant, spoiled and disrespectful”?
Society has a big influence of course. Especially the technological changes and innovations in the area of education. But in the end, the main cause is those same managers that are being quoted above.
Upbringing has had a critical role in the foundation of the attitude, mentality and aspirations of Generation Y. Parents of Generation Y have, in response to how they have been brought up, deliberately chosen to create a different feeling in the family atmosphere. Family must become an open, child centric environment. It must be able for children to be honest, and feel appreciated. Parents love to see that the relationship with their children is similar to friendship. This is a huge difference to how they (these parents) have been raised, where hierarchy, respect and hard work were central.
This “child centric” upbringing is characterized by the “you can become anything you want” philosophy. Or the “participating is more important than winning” principle. The impact of this child centric approach is quite big. Currently, youngsters generally have a pretty good relationship with their parents. Furthermore, they often tend to be self-confident, open, innovative and have a can-do mentality. On the other hand, Generation Y is also often experienced as described above.
The strange thing is that parents label these characteristics of Generation Y as positive, while the managers in the corporate world experience these as negative.
Strange right? Seeing that the parents are often these same managers.
That’s why I advise you managers, when irritation, frustration or even helplessness occur, to first think of how you would judge these characteristics on your own children. Try to imagine what kind of advice you give your children. Try to realize that the thing you deliberately taught your children was part of a vision and think how you could benefit from this vision as a manager.
The thing that is important for your own children is also important for that Generation Y employee in your office.
Itamar.