Cynics have decided that I’m a “Gen-Y Princess” floating oblivious amongst the clouds, here and here.
More specifically, that I’m a high-maintenance spoiled brat. But who’s counting.
I appreciate criticism, even if it’s lackluster on the constructive side. I want this blog to recognize and appreciate the foundation that previous generations have laid and build upon it. To greatness. I want it to be about dialogue and community. And kicking some major butt. This includes realizing when I haven’t given the full picture. Here are seven concessions to the Gen-Y naysayers:
1) Gen-Y will fail. Miserably. We won’t change the world straight away. You have to fail to succeed. When you haven’t wiped the crud off your shoes, you can’t develop emotional intelligence, which is an important factor for career advancement. Only experience will help us learn. Let us take the reins quickly so we can learn quickly.
2) We’re idealistic and naïve. We want to believe in the dream of changing the world a little longer. Why are other generations so intent on crushing the dreams of idealistic youth so swiftly? What sense is there in bringing us to the dark side? Don’t break my knees just as I’m training for the marathon.
3) You have to play the game to win. I know that. I’ve talked about it here. But guess what? The current game sucks. So, along the way, we’re going to break every rule and change what it means to win.
4) Patience is a virtue too. Millennials are an impatient bunch. We want to change things right away, right now, this instant. Patience is crucial in this process to avoid burnout. We understand change takes time, and don’t mind, as long as we’re taking action. Gen-Y patience is about perseverance.
5) You have to pay dues. No one gets to skip paying dues all together. I didn’t like my first job, but I moved on. Good things are learned from bad experiences. The key is to learn those things and move on as soon as possible. The real world isn’t all that great sometimes. Young workers shouldn’t have to pay dues to a workforce that is often dirty, unethical and shameful.
6) We can’t all be leaders. Not all of us are suited to be leaders. True. But the last time I checked, we need leaders to encourage positive change. Most movements today – political, environmental, social – all greatly suffer from lack of visionary leadership. The more quality leaders we can cultivate, the better.
7) Loyalty is important. Gen Y plays the field of careers. It’s not good. But it’s not bad. We’re twenty-somethings; loyalty means something different to us. It’s not about time, but the value that the company and the Gen-Y employee offer each other.
And now the challenge…
The discussion surrounding Generation Y should center on how we can leverage our weaknesses into strengths and how we can use our unique talents effectively in our professional development, entrepreneurial, social, public policy, and philanthropic endeavors.
So please, tell me:
How can Generation Y show respect and learn from previous generations so that we may fully engage in meaningful interactions to our mutual benefit? How can we work together to fulfill our dreams?
Really, I want to know the answer.
41 replies on “7 concessions and a challenge to the Gen-Y naysayers”
What a classy and insightful response. If being a ‘Gen Y Princess’ means being articulate, ethical and passionate, then I want a crown!
What a poignant look at the differing definitions in key terms between the generations. I agree, while we might be talking in English, the truth is, when it comes to the workforce, everyone is talking in tongues. And more importantly, they are all angry about it.
I always try to remember the phrase, “Anger is fear turned outward.” It reminds me that the older generations may be projecting frustration, but that it’s rooted in anxiety. To offer an answer to your question: Maybe working together to fulfill our dreams is about helping those that have paved the way before us feel satisfied in their efforts so they can exit gracefully. Like royalty?
Imagine a workforce who only wanted the best for each other? A fairytale perhaps, but definitely worth striving for. That’s my dream.
I found your blog via brazen careerist, and I’m so glad you did. I too am a millenial, and I am inspired by your passion, your insight, and your ability to present persuasive arguments. I’ll keep reading!
Hmmmm. After reading the criticisms my opinion is they don’t have the qualities you are writing about. They will not become leaders, are not passionate, not interesting, not into changing the world, not looking for better lives, not going to fulfill their potential, etc.
“Criticism comes easier than craftsmanship.” – Zeuxis (~400 B.C.)
“Live out of your imagination, not your history.”
– Stephen Covey
“Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain — and most fools do.” – Dale Carnegie
@ JT- Thank you! I actually let this post simmer so I could ensure I was responding in a way that I felt was both fair and appropriate. I’m glad you feel that I did. Although I do actually like the term “Gen Y Princess” :)
I think you explained the differences well- that we’re saying the same words, but the words don’t have the same meaning. And I like your suggestion. I hope someone treats me like royalty when I’m older and I think that’s exactly what Gen Y should do now.
@ scarletholly – I am happy you are enjoying the blog and find it inspirational. I look forward to your future comments!
@ Linda – Great quotes, and thank you for the encouragement. I used the last quote in a speech I did in high school, I remember. It’s hard not to criticize… I do it a lot, and think it’s good to learn from, but better if you’re constructive.
Hey Princess, can you send me a new photo for my nextg posting. The one I have is out of focus. A good portrait would be fine.
JT, I posted a summary of a posting you had on Emp Evo (see Burned Managers Avoid Gen Y). Sounds like you didn’t see it because you’re arguing against yourself here.
http://www.recruitingbloggers.com/rbs/2007/08/burned-managers.html
Also, JT you might want to check out The Anger Advantage by Cox, Bruckner and Stabb. They argue that the “Anger is fear” line you’re into is really a means of subjugating women by denying them their valid responses to injustice.
Rgds
Nice linkbait attempt Animal.
Just goes to show you the success Rebecca has already built with this blog, when others are trying to leach readers from it by creating confrontation.
Well said Rebecca. As I duly deputized member of one of those older generations, I hereby declare that we will refuse to crush any of your dreams or any other Gen-Y dream. No generation has a monopoly on dreams. My only hope for all dreamers is that they are positive, and constructive instead of destructive.
That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it. Keep doing what you are doing. We’ve got your back.
All the best!
@ Recruiting Animal – No new photos right now. I’ll look forward to your response to my response! I’m surprised to hear your views on women- another conversation for another time though.
@ Cody – thanks for the encouragement. As I said, I think it’s good to hear and read differing opinions (which is why I linked to Recruiting Animal’s posts) because the more knowledge, the better. And you learn more from someone disagreeing with you too.
@Terry – awesome! I’m glad someone from a different generation is willing to work together! Feel free to disagree, however. It’s how we bring our different ideas together to create new ones that is important.
Cody, you’re foolish. Think about it. Rebecca already linked to RecruitingBloggers twice in the body of her email. Did I really another?
As Freud said, sometimes a cigar is just a cigar and sometimes a link is just link to something relevant.
Rebecca doesn’t need you defending her, big boy. She’s woman enough on her own.
Cody, you’re foolish. Think about it. Rebecca already linked to RecruitingBloggers twice in the body of her email. Did I really another?
As Freud said, sometimes a cigar is just a cigar and sometimes a link is just a link to something relevant.
Rebecca doesn’t need you defending her, big boy. She’s woman enough on her own.
Hey, any attention is good attention. At least naysayers consider your blog substantial enough to bother to criticize it. Great work in just a few months!
Gen Y Princess Humbled…
Not. Arise, ye wretched of the earth, For justice thunders condemnation. A better world is now in birth; The earth shall rise on new foundations. No more, tradition’s chains shall bind us, Arise ye slaves, no more in thrall. We have been naught but co…
Quite a Cuckoo post above. Rebecca, I respect your words and intent. You ask a sincere question, how does Generation Y learn from the previous Generations.
The best and only response was one that my mother told me; Never forget that the Generations before me had the same arguments.
Sometimes it is easier to avoid the same painful mistakes we made by hearing from the wisdom of time.
Good Luck and God Bless
Rebbecca,
The awesome thing about generation is that we all thing we are unique. The things that you feel separate you as a GenY are the same things that generations before you have experienced. The difference is, previous generations never had the breadth of technology to share our thoughts. I had a Great Aunt who never believed men walked on the moon. When my husband and I were engaged and living in different states, we sent letters every day and had astronomical phone bills. Yet, our children converse every day with people in Australia and Finland, without even thinking of it.
Guess the old adage “things never really change are true”. I am not trying to be condescending, just honest. Time has a way of changing your perspective.
Hi Rebecca,
Well, to answer the actual question you raised, here’s how to leverage other generations:
There will be 10% of the people who are individual and group leaders who have an intense need to learn, be productive, and have fun doing it. They want change for the better and will work hard to get to it without compromising their personal values.
Find them. Learn from them. They will let you take your strengths and mold them into something that creates change the way you want it. The rest looks too much like defending the realm instead of making it better.
Hope that helps.
“How can Generation Y show respect and learn from previous generations so that we may fully engage in meaningful interactions to our mutual benefit?”
Get over labels, listen a whole more, and then ask the right questions. That continues to be the best solution for any generation to engage in a meaningful interaction. :)
Best, Rich
I have no answer to your final question, but I have some thoughts on another question you posed.
Why are other generations so intent on crushing the dreams of idealistic youth so swiftly?
I have two running theories on this: bitterness and pride.
Previous generations have always been idealistic, intent on saving the world from the failings of the last. Most of them fail to make a substantial impact, likely because their attempts were thwarted before they began by the nay-sayings of their predecessors. They’ve been soured on idealism, and so they feel the need to bring the next generation down to their level, just as the last generation did to them.
Where the last generation did succeed in changing the world, the last thing they want to hear is that it’s not good enough. After all, they put forth all that effort to make the world a better place. How could the next generation expect to make it even better? It’s preposterous! They’re so young and so inexperienced; how could they expect to know what’s right for the world? They forget that they were young once, too, and that they affected the world best when they were young and energetic.
So maybe I do have a response to your last question, after all. We can learn from them and respect them by knowing where their youthful idealism went, and by not allowing the same fate to befall ours.
Then we can continue to improve the world by not doing to our children and grandchildren what they do to theirs. Instead, we should offer support, and point out where we failed. Rather than saying, “oh, you fools! You’ll never change the world!” we should say, “You’ll have a very difficult time changing things that way… we know, because we tried, and we failed.”
Anyone can change the world if their heart and mind are set on it, but only with a bit of encouragement and a bit of guidance. Maybe that will be our ultimate legacy: We’ll be the ones to start mapping the minefield, rather than saying it’s impossible to navigate and turning our backs.
Or maybe I’m just being an idealistic, naïve fool.
I’m inclined to believe it’s a little of both.
@ Recruiting Animal – I wonder if blogging and the real world bring out different parts in people? I.e., would you say the things you say on a blog in real life?
@ Alexandra – I tend to agree. I think a lot is learned in disagreements, and I keep saying, I prefer to have people disagree with me so I can learn more.
@ good to think – great advice. I do believe that generations upon generations and people across the nation deal with the very same problems. We are not all that different. What is different though, and what is unique to Gen Y is how we handle the problems. Solutions might be the same, but the tools we use to get there will be different, in my opinion.
@ Christine – exactly the perspective I’m talking about above. We all have the same problems, but technology and the issues we’ve dealt with have shaped it differently.
@ Scot – this is my favorite words of wisdom so far. Great, great take. I strongly believe you need to surround yourself with the people you want to be.
@ Rich – yes, listening and asking questions is good. I think labels can be bad, but often defining a situation or work style is good. It helps us understand more.
@ Eric – I love your perspective and I think most closely mirrors what my thoughts are. Especially the bit about admitting shortcomings. Good stuff.
@ EVERYONE – I appreciate the discussion that has come out of this post. It’s not important that we agree. I think I’ve said ten times that it’s better that we don’t (eventually a solution that is better than all of our opinions is bound to be found). It’s important that we all care enough to talk about it. If there is one thing I can’t stand it is apathy. Cheers to not being mediocre to all of you.
> Recruiting Animal – I wonder if blogging and the real world bring out different parts in people? I.e., would you say the things you say on a blog in real life?
Rebecca what you’re talking about is called Online Disinhibition. Here’s a posting about it.
http://normblog.typepad.com/normblog/2007/07/online-disinhib.html
But you have to qualify your question. What part of real life are you talking about?
The blogosphere is a forum for ideas and play. And when you come here and start spouting it’s as if you put up a soapbox in the street. So you’re going to be kidded and challenged.
And you have to be ready to take it if you are going to thrive. And, actually, as Alex said, you should be pleased that people notice you enough to criticize you. And, here’s why.
I was on the phone with a journalist from the Wall Street Journal and we were looking at some of my postings on Gen Y. When he saw my quotations from the Ryans he immediately asked me how to get in touch with those guys.
It wasn’t because what they said was right but because once Gen Y is in the news, media types need to find true believers who are ready to articulate the party line in the most extreme way.
You fall into that camp, too. And I honestly suggest that you stay there. Because that’s what makes you marketable.
So don’t feel bad if people on RecruitingBloggers point out your errors. Just press on and look on us as part of your publicity machine.
Notice that this is quite different from what I advised in my reply to this posting on my blog. I encouraged you to see things my way but that’s not a money making idea unless you decide to market yourself as a former Gen Y jihadist who has now seen the light.
At any rate, you know must know that even if its for the “wrong” reasons we on RB are among your biggest fans. Regards.
@ Recruiting Animal – I absolutely agree that attention is good, as are disagreements. I don’t mind what you say because I understand (and play) the whole game you laid out in your comment. I just worry about my readers whose feelings may or may not be hurt by what you say specifically to them. I guess they will learn as well though. Cheers.
“… labels can be bad, but often defining a situation or work style is good. It helps us understand more.”
Rebecca,
There is no doubt that labels are part of our cognitive thinking process, but we have to be careful to always remember that just because we label it, doesn’t make the the label true.
Gosh, if we did that, you’d be a typical Gen Y voice screaming out into the wilderness.
I think we learn from each other ;-)
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Thought you might enjoy this article. . .
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With all the moral support that’s being reaped here in this blog and the superiority complexes that are being fed here by fellow Gen Yers, it would be difficult for any other generation to take you guys seriously.
While there is a genuine need to change the world for the better, it’s apparent that Gen Y is changing it only because it has no capacity to integrate the existing good and leverage on it for improvement and to broaden horizons for the future. It lacks the ability to comprehend, relate to and appreciate the past.
Gen Y should continue with its arrogant stance in dictating to all other generations. It is the only way it knows how to achieve the success it wants and will help seed its future in coping with the generations after it who inevitably will be able to outwit those before them.
Best of luck!
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the reason i’m reading your article is cos i’m soooooo frustrated with the gen y’ers in my office. i see the sense in your article and the other articles i’ve read, all of which stand up for the values of gen y. however, my argument is that they only hold water for the best of you. those of you who really do learn fast and move fast. i’m sure you’ll all achieve a lot. but what about good ol’ properly done work. gen y’ers have no excuse for shoddy work (and i’ve seen a lot). when time and effort required to craft a piece of good work is not put in, gen y’ers walk away with the mentality that it was kick ass because they did it. Self confidence, right? So I say, be careful, in all things, your greatest asset could be your greatest enemy.
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Thanks for the support, Andrew!