THEN AND NOW: How did the Millennials’ Mindset Arise?
What crosses your mind when asked about the diverse changes of human behaviours from the days of the veterans until today? How do these changes affect you in your industry?
MY EMPATHY TO GEN Ys
My heart goes out for the Gen Ys. I heard a lot of complaints about them. Friends who are in executive positions from small to big companies, were dismayed by these young workers’ behaviours and work ethics. They do not stay in a position for long. They do not show respect to their superiors. They are not contented with their salaries and benefits. They show less team work and seem to value work less. It’s totally freaking out the Human Resource departments.
The reasons of diverse changes can be analyzed through a lens of “then and now” life changes and development. My Masters is in human development and psychology and it explains alot. Here are ways you can understand the changes across generations.
THE RATIONALE OF BEFORE AND AFTER
Here are the example of then and now activities:
Food
Then: People prepared their meals in the house and children saw how cooking was done and commonly they ate together.
Now: Due to the trending of fast food chains, most people do not cook at home and they will just buy at the most convenient restaurant or food chains. Eating together is not as common.
Explanation: Young people of today’s affluent generation do not experience much to recognize and appreciate the value of effort and sharing limited resources on a daily basis.
Leisure
Then: During free time, when gatherings or watching movies together were to be held, pre-planning activities were done. Others tend to be creative by doing something what they saw in the backyard or some chose to involve in sport activities.
Now: Communication can be done through facebook, emails or phone, so no need to think ahead in terms of organizing an activity.
Explanation: Gen Ys method of thinking and planning seems less relevant for them since they can do planning on the go.
Super heroes
Then: They love heroes who are macho, older ones, uses brains and physical activities. Think James Bond.
Now: They adore younger ones who are intelligent, talented, and stories who make a difference in the world by saving it on their most natural ways. Think American Idol and social entrepreneurs.
Explanation: It is not about brawn and might. They have seen leaders who fail them with this approach. They have seen economic institutions take rather than give. They value self actualization — reaching their creativity and intuition and soul — less of money and power.
Education
Then: Few universities were only available during this time and a graduate with Bachelor’s degree was highly recognized.
Now: Information is widely available and easy to find. A lot of Universities were growing and competing to yield affordable, and quality standard of teaching.
Explanation: Young individual nowadays have less respect to hierarchies and information from older or experienced people. Think Coursea and Google.
THE FUTURE LEADERS ARE YOUNG PEOPLE OF TODAY
Gen Ys were shaped according to what the society and trends presented to them. We raised them this way. They are the future leaders, their fate lies on the hands of mentors like you today. Bring out the best in them.
Interested in more tips and strategies you can use to be a better leader? Come join us for the book launch.
