The Real "Me Generation"—Boomers' Kids
The self-esteem generation (18- to 25-year-olds) is now moving into the workforce, and they're driving Boomer managers nuts. Kids who were used to being told how "special" they are at every turn by parents and teachers and getting gold stars for their finger paintings are apparently having trouble adapting to the real world in which managers merely expect them to do their jobs. According to National Public Radio:
Companies are hiring consultants to help manage the "over praised" Me Generation. The result? Kudos for showing up to work on time! Awards for getting a report in! Forget Employee of the Month — how about Employee of the Day! Some managers are resistant, saying the only praise they ever got was a paycheck.
Who is responsible for producing this generation of emotionally needy young adults? The Baby Boomers have only themselves to blame.
Listen to amusingly told NPR story here.
Disclosure: I am a Baby Boomer, but I have no children. I wonder if that means that I have basically been spoiling myself all these years?
