I’ve often been called an “old soul.”1 But now, at the ripe old age of 36, I’m apparently “old school.” I dictate rather than type, I write checks, don’t own anything that stores music, and I’ve never used Twitter. 2 But the tell-all of my recent coming of age—which separates me (and many other “old” folk) from the current wave of childlike “adults” entering our workforce—is the understanding of one simple, undeniable, incontrovertible truth: Life ain’t fair.
It’s true. Not simply that life ain’t fair, but the fact that we—as a society—apparently have failed to properly teach this message to those now entering the workforce. The words many of our parents took sadistic joy in tormenting us with as they denied us the pleasures of our youth have clearly gone unsaid to many of those under the age of, well, 36. And you, as employers, are paying the psychological, emotional and financial price of that failure.
Don’t think I’m on some personal rant here. This isn’t a “Brandon is pissed off at a soon-to-be former employee” sort of thing. It’s a national epidemic that’s received significant attention as of late, even if in slightly lesser media sources than this magazine (see, for instance, “The ‘Trophy Kids’ Go to Work,” Wall Street Journal (online), October 21, 2008). American workforces are dealing with a new generation of workers who’ve been coddled by society—taught entitlement, told that results aren’t as important as effort (“It’s OK, honey—you tried hard.”), and even went to school in an environment where failure was categorized as “deferred success” and red pens deemed as “harsh” and potentially destructive of self esteem.3 These are the kids who, in the words of Dana Carvey, got a trophy for “signing up.”4 And now, as young adults, they bring their sense of blithe entitlement, attitude and incredulity about being asked to work to your workplace.
Those who seem to read this column simply to write hate mail are, surely by now, nearly rabid with the question, “What does this have to do with the law?” Frankly, not a whole lot—except when employer expectations collide with employee attitude. Then, things tend to get ugly: Someone gets fired and then someone gets sued. And with this new crop of worker, lawsuits are no big deal. They got people.
The key is to understand this new generation and either adapt your organization’s management philosophies, or attempt to instill the new workers with old-school values and work ethics.5 In either event, you need to understand what you’re dealing with.
Delicate flower syndrome. Millennials were treated with kid gloves throughout their development. They react poorly to traditional forms of criticism, with many finding it paralyzing. Some will claim such criticism creates a “hostile work environment.” To avoid these feelings (and commensurate symptoms), more tenured managers and supervisors need to be trained to deliver such information in a positive, upbeat manner, reinforcing the effort and letting them know that success can ultimately be achieved.
Clear instruction. One common complaint about millennials is a (perceived or real) lack of common sense regarding work rules unless they’ve been explicitly explained. What might seem like common sense to previous generations (appropriate attire, showing up on time, not yelling at the boss) may need to be spelled out.
Parental advocacy. Much of the entitlement attitude associated with millennials is attributed to overactive, overprotective parents who refused to let Tommy fall down, hurt himself, be subjected to criticism or exposed to any other “bad thing.” These same parents now inject themselves into their children’s careers. It’s becoming more common for employers to receive direct communication from parents regarding the complaints of an employee. Before communicating with an adult employee’s parents, you’d be wise to have the employee’s written consent.
Connectivity. Technology enshrouded the developmental years of millennials, and they’ve been in constant contact since birth, when the cell phone immediately replaced the umbilical cord. Many new workers believe it’s their right to be in constant technological communication with anyone, from family to friends, whether during working hours or not. Employers need to clearly—and repeatedly—communicate their technology policies to these employees so they’re clear when such conduct interferes with the employer’s needs.
Sense of inclusion and high self-esteem. Because of the intense nurturing they received, failure, or being “left behind,” seems impossible to millennials. Promotion denials, lack of wage increases or not being provided the choice job assignment can be taken as an immediate affront—regardless of the sound business reason involved. To avoid the potential tension these decisions can create, employers should begin sending clear messages telegraphing the ultimate decision as far in advance as possible to lower anxiety levels and build the appropriate expectation in such employees.
Whether you like it or not, the new workforce is here. And, frankly, they’re desperately needed to replace an increasingly aged workforce that (but for the current economy) is likely to move on in short order. If you don’t begin to change your management philosophies (and organizational culture) to be able to relate, your ability to retract and retain the new source of highly educated, multitasking, technology-proficient (even if possessing a self-absorbed sense of entitlement) talent. You just have to remember: Life ain’t fair—especially for business owners.
1 I’ve also been called less flattering things—none of which are relevant here.
2 Which, apparently, is proof I possess greater intelligence than some members of Congress.
3 Whitney Houston couldn’t have possibly envisioned all this when she declared that she believed “that children are our future.” (“Greatest Love of All,” Arista Records, 1986)
4 Dana Carvey, “Squatting Monkeys Tell No Lies,” Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, March 2008.
5 I see it now: A three-day work ethic retreat designed to undo two decades of development in a hermetically sealed bubble guarded by overprotective parents. Good luck! Let me know how that works out for you.
