The current younger generation is commonly referred to as Gen Y or the Millenials. I recently heard the referral Gen Yes–which I think is apt. They were born roughly between 1980 and 2004 and one of the most common comments about them is “They think they’re special”. One of the most common criticisms is their sense of entitlement.
Like any “younger generation”, this one is slammed for the faults we see because we haven’t yet appreciated what they bring into the mix of creating our next new future. I recall the negative comments made about my own generation (boomers) by my parents generation, and yet now when my generation is described, it is accompanied by a wealth of positives that came about as we came of age and contributed to the world.
We won’t know the full positive impact of Gen Yes until they begin to significantly inform our future, which may mean until we ‘boomers’ get out of the way. Here’s what people are saying, along with some ways to see the positive and work with it:
- Gen Y does see themselves as special. They grew up in an era where we went out of our way to protect and keep them safe . . . because we realized our children are our most precious resource. This has given them a positive sense of self and worth apart from anything that they have accomplished or earned. They are ripe to recognize that everyone is special in some way without having to earn it. Perhaps they will create our future schools and communities where each child can discover that special gift they bring to the world. How to work with it? Affirm that they are special . . . and therefore, “we expect special things from you.” As Jason Dorsey, the Gen Y Guy says, “when your new Gen Y hire comes in the first day, hand him or her their very own business cards, make them feel special, let them know ‘you now represent us. This is what we expect from you . . ..’ and then ask them, ‘What do you expect from us?’” Learn to capitalize on the full potential of every individual by creating opportunities.
- They are team-oriented and highly social. They are more loyal to “their peeps” than to the institution or organization. The future requires us to collaborate in ways that are unprecedented–working beyond the individual ego and more for the greater good will be a mark they will place on our new future. They will be well-poised to take the lead! How to work with it: reinforce their collaboration and team skills, connect youth with service projects (especially kids helping kids), mobilize volunteer groups, let them work together and celebrate their collaborative capacity.
- They are connected to peers 24/7 and though technology dependent, they know very little about how it works. They develop relationships in a virtual world naturally, easily, and comfortably. They will create the bridges around the world, across cultures. They are paving the way towards a new neural communication system for the planet. How to work with it: use technology in the classroom and in the workplace. Ask them how to create virtual work teams and use the internet to enhance school and the workplace. Allow for the possibility that they just might be able to multitask and produce good work at the same time!
- They are achievement oriented and entirely outcome driven. They will help us get out of our own way, if we let them. They live in a world of possibility and opportunity. Once we know what it is we’re trying to do, they will take the reins and drive towards it. Dorsey tells us, their motto: tell us what you want us to do and then get out of the way. How to work with this: Start with the outcome, especially if your explanation or a process is complicated. First describe the end result and then work backwards. If you want ideas about possible ways to achieve an outcome, engage them in the planning. Once they know the outcome, they’ll look for the most efficient or effective ways to get there.
Every generation brings with it the tools that are going to be essential for the future. This generation is no different. Perhaps we can do ourselves and them the greatest favor if we look for the potential gifts they are bearing and create environments where those gifts can help us create a stronger, healthier, more sustainable future for all of us.
