Comments on: Will Gen Y Be A Hero Generation?

By: admin

admin — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:09:59 +0000

You’re absolutely correct, Brett. Abnormal psychology (into which all disorders are lumped) is by definition a comparison to what is “normal.” So if the whole society changes–if the norms shift–then our definitions of “abnormal” also have to shift. What might have been abnormally narcissistic 40 years ago, might not be abnormal at all anymore. Now, it would appear that Narcissistic Personality tests are measuring the cultural value of individualism as much as it detects an abnormally narcissistic personality.

I guess the rebuttal to that is “then what does that say about our culture that what used to be considered narcissism has now become the norm?” That opens up a whole new debate, doesn’t it?

Thanks again, Brett.

By: Brett Hummel

Brett Hummel — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 18:35:16 +0000

I think that research like Twenge’s has a serious flaw: while cross generational surveys can point to trends, the study must control for changes in the overall attitude of the society as well. Definitions and negative stigma associated with the words optimistic, self-promoting, ambitious, and success driven have changed from when the studies were first conducted. In those days it was not acceptable to say that you wanted to stand out from the crowd compared to today when such feelings are encouraged.

An interesting book that you may want to read is Plugged In by Tamara Erickson. She has done some interesting research on Gen Y, and is highly supportive of the future prospects of the generation.

By: Ageless

Ageless — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 17:59:05 +0000

It is said that cohort traits, values and beliefs are shaped by major events, such as World War II, John Kennedy’s assassination, 9/11 and other such life changing moments. Sometimes (often) in the worst of times are found the best of opportunities.

This is just such a time. I am optimistic that my children’s children (and yours) will step up to the very real, very deep economic and societal problems our nation faces.

Hard times are the times when heroes emerge.

Look for these heroes in all generations….They are here!

By: admin

admin — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:32:50 +0000

I’m also confident and hopeful. The only caveat (according to Strauss & Howe) is that the hero generations sometimes leave an unpleasant legacy. They sometimes become heroic groupthinkers. In addition to the many great achievements they made, the first American hero generation (circa 1648) succeeded in “heroically” legalizing the slave trade. On the other hand, the Civil War hero generation ended up getting coddled and sheltered for a little too long by their parents (b/c the intensity of the crisis was just too much) that they never really blossomed to their full adult potential. Nevertheless, I’m still optimistic (of course!).

By: admin

admin — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:26:18 +0000

Very perceptive, Alexia. Your ideas of what Gen Y still needs to be coached on are spot-on. I’ve been actively researching this for months by conducting structured interviews with managers of Gen Y’ers from all different kinds of companies from Taget to General Mills to Teach for America. It was shocking for me to see how all of these managers from all different generations (some Gen Y’ers, Gen X’ers & boomers) converge on same differentiators between solid Gen Y leaders that they manage and the often smart, talented, personable…but ultimately ineffective trophy kids. The distinctions are very real and very pervasive. I’ll be sharing those here in the coming weeks…so stay tuned.

As for my training program idea: After now having 9 more yrs of experience in the T&D field, I can say that the shell of my idea was okay (i.e. Using analogies and illustrations rather than just following instructions). But let’s just say that I’ve also learned a lot since then. In typical Gen Y/youthfully exuberant form–my big, great idea would have seriously suffered on the execution front.

By: Alexia Vernon

Alexia Vernon — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:03:01 +0000

The questions you pose, Nick, are the same ones that keep me up at night. As a millennial and a leadership coach and trainer, I too understand the persistent drizzle of complaint that managers through senior leaders level at their younger employees. Some of it happens to every new generation at work. It takes emerging leaders a while to fuse our authentic voice with the demands of the workplace. However, as a generation, I do believe that many of us still have a lot to be coached on- from listening to interpersonal communication to networking effectively to working hard and providing value without expecting an immediate payoff. For me, the key to answering yes to question number one is how evolving leaders help emerging ones to shape their values, strengths, and enthusiasms into leadership that is successful, sustainable, and makes a positive social impact. I believe that when our generation is led, not just managed, our optimism and vision translates into action and measurable results. (Curious to know what that global new hire training program looked like).

By: Carol Phillips

Carol Phillips — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 21:06:15 +0000

Nick: Great thoughtful blog post. I read Millennials Rising years ago, time for a re-read. I had some reaction though reading “Millennial Makeover” - the predictions were uncannily prescient. I think Millennials will be a hero generation. Like the GI generation, they may not have a choice, unfortunately.