Gen X Gen Y Gen Whatever
Do you have opinions on someone based on their age?
An attendee in a management workshop I was facilitating was having issues dealing with all the young, 20 something employees (is this Gen Y?). He felt they were entitled and didn’t work hard enough.
Another attendee was younger and was intimated managing people old enough to be her parents.
A third student wanted my opinion on whether there should be a focus on generational issues.
I enjoyed that question. I had a simple answer: No!
Now I know there are books written on how to deal with the different generations, but in my opinion looking at this as an issue leads to a focusing vacuum. Meaning, focusing on this gets you no where, leads to no solution, yet builds your frustration. It’s a trap.
While there is truth to some of the generalities associated with each generation, they are generalities nonetheless.
Did the attendee who felt 20 something’s didn’t work hard enough see the irony that another attendee in her 20’s was struggling dealing with older employees?!
There will be people in their 20’s that will fit the generalities. There will also be people in their 30’s, 40’s and beyond who fit the generalities. And there will be people in their 20’s that fit the generalities of other age groups.
Until you get specific with what you need the generalities will either make you feel good, stressed or right.
If you take the focus off generalities of age group and look at each person:
• You can measure each person based on their objective goals
• You will see people of all ages have strengths and challenges
• You de-emphasize age and emphasize other traits
However, 50 is definitely the new 30!
Where has your focus on generalities of someone’s age helped or hindered you?
August 2nd, 2010 at 9:42 am
I love this soundbite, Howard. As an employer who often hires people out of college, I find that one of my jobs is to help people in their 20s learn how to transition from college to the world of employment (read “learn how to work”), just like someone helped me learn what was expected when I was in my 20s. Some young people become as dedicated and hard working as older people once they understand the expectations–others will goof off, just like some older people who are bored and burned out do the minimum required to keep their job.
With the number of people who will now be working into their late 60s and 70s due to the economic downturn, this issue will become increasingly important to address. The key to me is to listen to and consider thoughtfully, everyone you work with. Young people have new ideas, older people have experience. What better way to create success than with a dash of each?