- They have minimal respect for authority and social rules of conduct
- Respond defensively to constructive criticism
- Expect immediate gratification
- Have a sense of entitlement
- Desire work to be fun
- Will leave a job (without having another one) if their desires are not being met
However, I actually have hope for these Nexters, because I can vividly remember when Gen X was analyzed to death, and we came off as a bunch of existentially challenged slacker dumbasses. But most of us got over it. Kind of.
5 comments:
My experience with 20-somethings has been completely different. The younger men and woman I've worked with have had strong work ethics, great out-of-the-box thinking, a built-in comfort with technology, and all sorts of skills that leave me hopeful for the future. I'd hire a 20-something in a New York minute.
Which is why I used the qualifying phrase "some of these folks". Half of them that I've worked with have been absolute dreams in every way. The other half? Not so much. And the bit Louis CK did about Twenty Year Olds the other night got me thinking. And comparing that to all of the Gen X bashing that went on back in the day.
That's all.
Yeah - I've actually totally seen this. At first I was thinking that big companies were not ready for this generation. But, now - with so many people out of work - this new gen may not be hired as easily. and they will have to change because they will be unemployed for a long time - which really doesn't work so great. I think it's the sense of entitlement that gets me the most. Smart kids - no doubt - but damn the rest of the stuff...
My first experience with this gen was an intern I had a few years ago. He was brand spanking new and wanted to run a project. A VERY HIGH PROFILE CRITCALLY IMPORTANT project. I gave it to my senior, experienced guy who had run several projects like this and is well known as an expert in the INDUSTRY (it was going to require huge tech skills, huge overall knowledge about our company environment, and running a team of about 25 people, and a project that would probably take a year to complete (way beyond the time the intern would even be there)... I told my new intern he could work on the project, but not run it because senior guy was more qualfied. (honestly it was like a 7 year old wanting to become a fire fighter.. He might know that fires are hot - but doesn't have the physical or mental strength, doesn't know how to drive the fire engine, doesn't know how to put on the gear, and can't lift the hose for the water. He can do a great job cleaning up the station dog's poop - but that's about it.)
Intern's mom called me... No kidding... Yelled at me for not being fair and not giving her son opportunities to advance his career... I'm not kidding here... I told her that this was real life and that the work went to those that proved their skills and I knew could handle the project. (by the way - at the time I _PRIDED_ myself on my employees development...) And when he did that, I would be happy to give him projects - but he had at that time worked for me for 2 weeks and I did not yet know what he could do.. And I told her that the fact that SHE was calling me meant that it proved to me that he was unable to fight his own battles and that I was then more confident in my decision. I also told her not to call me any more. It was the craziest thing I've ever encountered in my many years of management.
He was eventually hired full time, he is a super smart guy, he still works for the company - although - still in a very junior role after quite a few years... Oddly his influence skills are lacking.
Note to helicopter parents - at some point - you gotta let your kids fight their own battles. You may think you are helping - but you are HURTING them... Back off...
Yeah - I've actually totally seen this. At first I was thinking that big companies were not ready for this generation. But, now - with so many people out of work - this new gen may not be hired as easily. and they will have to change because they will be unemployed for a long time - which really doesn't work so great. I think it's the sense of entitlement that gets me the most. Smart kids - no doubt - but damn the rest of the stuff...
My first experience with this gen was an intern I had a few years ago. He was brand spanking new and wanted to run a project. A VERY HIGH PROFILE CRITCALLY IMPORTANT project. I gave it to my senior, experienced guy who had run several projects like this and is well known as an expert in the INDUSTRY (it was going to require huge tech skills, huge overall knowledge about our company environment, and running a team of about 25 people, and a project that would probably take a year to complete (way beyond the time the intern would even be there)... I told my new intern he could work on the project, but not run it because senior guy was more qualfied. (honestly it was like a 7 year old wanting to become a fire fighter.. He might know that fires are hot - but doesn't have the physical or mental strength, doesn't know how to drive the fire engine, doesn't know how to put on the gear, and can't lift the hose for the water. He can do a great job cleaning up the station dog's poop - but that's about it.)
Intern's mom called me... No kidding... Yelled at me for not being fair and not giving her son opportunities to advance his career... I'm not kidding here... I told her that this was real life and that the work went to those that proved their skills and I knew could handle the project. (by the way - at the time I _PRIDED_ myself on my employees development...) And when he did that, I would be happy to give him projects - but he had at that time worked for me for 2 weeks and I did not yet know what he could do.. And I told her that the fact that SHE was calling me meant that it proved to me that he was unable to fight his own battles and that I was then more confident in my decision. I also told her not to call me any more. It was the craziest thing I've ever encountered in my many years of management.
He was eventually hired full time, he is a super smart guy, he still works for the company - although - still in a very junior role after quite a few years... Oddly his influence skills are lacking.
Note to helicopter parents - at some point - you gotta let your kids fight their own battles. You may think you are helping - but you are HURTING them... Back off...
His MOM?! Called his boss?! I am speechless.
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