For the first time in history, we have 4 generations in the workforce at the same time. Naturally, this much diversity requires adjustments and understanding. While it’s convenient to bucket groups by age, some of the generalizations are not helpful. Generation X and Generation Y are generally identified as arriving at the workplace with a sense of entitlement as big as the great outdoors. I disagree with singling them out for this unattractive character trait. I see entitlement rearing its ugly head in every generation. It just sounds different depending on who’s speaking. And businesses react differently according to the age of the speaker. That’s the worst part.
Here’s what entitlement looks and sounds like across the generations.
Traditionalists
Born between 1928-1945
I’ve done my time. I deserve a senior position based solely on my years in the workforce. I hire good people and let them do their jobs on their own. I don’t measure them and I certainly do not set stretch goals for them. You should treat me the same way.
Boomers
Born between 1946-1964
I put in extra hours therefore I am not subject to the same rules as everyone else. If I work hard, I’ll get everything I want — whether my expectations are reasonable or not.
Generation X
Born between 1965-1979
I saw my parents work hard yet they still got laid off so I want what’s due to me now. I’m not looking for equal treatment, I’m looking for special treatment.
Generation Y
Born between 1980-1995
I have no interest in doing menial chores that could be automated. You can have someone else do that for me. If I have to get good at what I do before I get promoted I’ll just work for someone else. Give it to me now or I’m moving on.
Of course, not everyone exhibits this unproductive trait. There are workers and leaders in each of the generations who honestly want to produce quality, measurable results, and they want to be recognized for such. And there are workers and leaders in each of the generations who work hard at getting better at what they do every day. Taking the time to get to know the unique skills and perspective offered by a multi-generational workforce can lead to an enriched workplace.
Is entitlement creeping into your speech? How would you deal with it in your business?
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By the time members of the current ‘entitlement generation’ reach the age of twenty they’ve already had 5-6 jobs. If they don’t like a job they’ll simply leave. The urgency to work isn’t what it used to be, especially for a young generation. There are many problems that will become apparent with the current generation… I addressed one related to creativity in a recent blog post: The Near Fatal Stabbing of Imagination http://www.planetkibi.com/blogocity.html
Andrew,
It will be interesting to see how things play out over the next 10-15 years. Gen Y will need to adjust as they come to grips with a workplace that is not as entertaining or visually stimulating as the video games and television sound bytes they were raised on. I appreciate the dark humour with which you’ve taken on a very serious subject – the death of creativity. I’m sending my best wishes to creativity. May he/she recover fully. (readers will have to follow your link to understand)
Appreciate your taking the time to comment.
Susan