Now, something I find baffling about this group is that nothing happens in there. Although there are over 200 members (which agreed, is pitiful in itself) no one posts articles, barely anyone starts discussions and very scarcely are any comments made. While other groups I belong to such as business networks / learning professionals /instructional designers have thousands of members with new discussion topics all the time, comments are plentiful and articles are posted non-stop.
To this end, I posted a discussion in the Gen Y group called "Is there another Gen Y Group on LinkedIn with more action?", because I really thought I was missing out. Funnily enough, this discussion topic has one of the highest number of comments (8), some echoing my thoughts - where are all the Gen Y's hiding, because they sure as hell aren't on LinkedIn joining a group called Gen Y!
So, I have come to loosely conclude, that since society created the tag of "Generation Y", it is only 'they' who continue to pigeon hole those in the decided age range in to being 'Gen Yers'. In reality, they're the only ones using this term! (Gen Y'ers will use it only when it works for them, almost as a kind of 'you named us, you gave us the characteristics, so deal with it' excuse.)
To really connect with this age group, the 'pigeon holing' must stop. Get on with talking to them and being their friends - not in a fake way - for real. Because these people (myself included) are not too different from the generations that have come before. So what if they don't respect the hierarchy of 'old business'. So what if they don't want to just be a cog in the wheel not knowing their part in the bigger picture. So what if they don't just sit down and do what they're told. The time for innovation is now, 'old business' is falling down around us, so what have you got to lose?
Embrace your younger colleagues, don't bemoan their attitudes, instead show them they are truly valued for their continual quest for knowledge, for their ethics and for their desire to be recognized as individuals. Invest in them, in their ideas and in their futures. The rewards that come with adopting this new attitude will see your company cross the line in to the 'new business' world and I believe that it is these adaptable, agile and edgy businesses that will survive the current crunch.
So, where is Gen Y hiding? Well they're all around us, and in 10 years time they'll be the majority of the workforce. So it's a good idea to get to know them now, while you have the chance.
My understanding is that the Gen Y group on linkedin is more for industry professionals to "discuss" Gen Y related topics...not necessarily to "find" Gen Y'ers.
ReplyDeleteCreating a moniker for a generation is a way of defining an age group...not pigeonholing. imo.
I agree with the comment that the moniker "Generation Y" is to define the group, not pigeonhole them. I'm not sure why the group was set up, I don't belong to it.
ReplyDeleteBut I do take issue with your rant in your blig posting about just accepting people from Generation Y as collegues. You state, "Embrace your younger colleagues, don't bemoan their attitudes, instead show them they are truly valued for their continual quest for knowledge, for their ethics and for their desire to be recognized as individuals." Well, please return the favor. Do you accept us as valid colleques? Not from what I've seen. Mostly you can't wait for us to get out of your way because you feel you are entitled to our jobs right NOW, rather than having to work for them.
And as for your statement about Generation Y being the majority of the workforce in 10 years, I don't believe that will be the case either. You're assuming the Babyboomers and Generation Joneses are going to be able to afford to retire? And what about the other generations before and after you?
High time someone advocated for the non-Boomer point of view! I've been to half a dozen workshops on "generations", all presented by 50-ish women going on and on about "Them"(anyone younger): "They" have no work ethic, "They" are spoiled, "They've" been over-parented. I am much closer to 50 than 30 but am offended by the bashing (because that's what it is) and condescension.
ReplyDeleteInteresting about the comment that younger folks feel they should have jobs w/o "working for them". THAT is exactly the Boomer way of thinking about it! Do your time, pay your dues... LOL!
I hope you're right about GenY being in the majority. Bring 'em on!
Re: Purpose of the Gen Y group on LinkedIn.
ReplyDeleteIf I just take 3 of my LinkedIn groups as examples: "Instructional Design & E-Learning Professionals" group - filled with I.D.'s and eLearning people, "Learning, Education & Training Professionals" group is filled with the aforementioned people, as is my "eLearning Advocates" group. Therefore, in joining the Gen Y group I did expect to find some Gen Y'ers in there, instead for the most part, I found a small group of older people asking Gen Y questions, to a non-existent audience of Gen Y'ers. My point was that someone created the group expecting Gen Y'ers to join, and they didn't.
I don't believe Gen Y have a problem accepting other Gens as colleagues. In fact, I would say we're constantly observing and learning from the Generations that have come before. Perhaps what's coming through here is in fact a Boomer defensive reaction because these Gen Y'ers do not want your jobs. This is upsetting because you worked so hard to get there and thought someone would be waiting in the wings to proudly step forward once you retired. Instead there's some 'young gun' pointing out the obvious and saying your job is not relevant anymore, lets do things another way and now (here) you're questioning whether you'll even get to retire! That's gotta hurt, and I empathize. But history has proven that 'adapting' to new environments is the key to survival for any species of nature.
Our environment has become a tech environment, and Gen Y embodies that because it's what we've grown up with, it's what we know. We have this advantage and I do believe the time has come to make the shift to a new way of working. Some things that Gen Y wants are more work/life balance, to feel valued at work because you spend so much time there, less hierarchical environments, more growth opportunities and decent money. I mean, it sounds good - right? For everyone involved! Well, maybe not if you're at the top of the food chain and worked your way up the ladder slowly, then no, you don't want to see these youngsters getting opportunities you never did. But it's precisely that attitude that must change.
It's not a 'Gen Y way or the highway' situation. It's a wake up call to say it's time for 'new business' now. As I said in my post,'Old business' is falling down around our ears it's time to try new things because we have nothing to lose - right?
Im what could be termed a "Gen-Y". Its a box and I dont like it. I wouldn't joing a group entitled "Gen-Y" because of this. Its like having a "Gen-X" or a "Baby-boomer" group -would you join?
ReplyDeleteLinkedin groups in particular are more vocation specific -so a group based on generation is somewhat irrelevant imho.
In terms of how do you engage with this age group -I agree, we are just people, and you are best to tailor your approach for each individual (just as you do with any generation), rather than taking a one size fits all approach.
Dunkiin's comment reminds me of the problem with those who try to attract people ages 13to 19 to their endeavors with the word "teen". As in our local newspaper's misbegotten and quickly abandoned "Teen Page". The Onion ran a headline recently that said something like "Area Teen Accidentally Wanders into Teen Center". :-)
ReplyDeleteWouldn't you agree that both generations could really learn a lot from one another?? I mean, the Gen Y's are more high tech, have fresh ideas but lack experience. The baby-boomers have experience, their own ideas but lack the tech side of things. Since both generations are working towards one common goal, if they worked together and exchanged ideas and experiences, this would make any company more efficient and profitable and make for a stronger economy in the end. Why do we always have to be so analytical of others rather than appreciate what they bring to the table regardless of age? I don't fall in either generation, so I'm kind of looking at it all from the outside and this is what I see. Just my opinion!
ReplyDeleteThis is the best post I've read on Gen Y that I remember. Discrimination is ugly, and it's not fair to categorize GenY as (any of the positive) or (any of the negative). Let's bring it down to an individual, personal level, and let each person speak for his own strengths or weaknesses :)
ReplyDeleteJason Alba
There is plenty of Gen Y conversation over at http://www.brazencareerist.com They clearly define themselves as Gen Y thought leaders.
ReplyDeleteThe reason the linkedin group is empty is probably because they are too busy networking and commenting over there.
Where are all the "Gen-Y" [I dislike that term, I think "Millennials" is better, but let them decide]?
ReplyDeleteFacebook just went over 200 million members, that may be where. LinkedIn is kinda, well, sterile.
I agree with Jane Bozarth on the tedious "generations" workshops.
If I may offer a comment about being "tech-savvy". I gotta say that I've found plenty of "tech-resistance" at every age group. Unwillingness to learn something new seems epidemic.
Good job of stirring the pot but not much else from this. First, I have 15 years of experience in working with this Generation (yeah I started working with them when they were in middle school and have moved with them). Based on my observations this group uses LinkedIn more as a professional connection (not for social purposes like Twitter/FaceBook/MySpace/etc.)
ReplyDeleteLike previous responses, I felt this group on LinkedIn was for folks like myself who specialize in GenY topics/issues/etc.
Maybe the gen thing sociology is all air. I bet if you went back to 1909 there would be older people clapping their gums about these young people wanting telephones and wearing soft collars and wanting to try a flight in one of them there flying flying machines. I think we should lower the temperature on the Gen Y thing and just accept that each generation brings a different set of perspectives that are a product of the previous generations behaviour.
ReplyDeleteThanks JibberJobber Guy! Great comments from everyone here, keep them coming!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Crispin, we're all just people and should be treated as such. While Gen Y can teach other Gens a thing or two, so too can they learn from the experiences of those that came before. If anything that's probably the most important thing Gen Y's need to remember.
Yes, LinkedIn is definitely the most 'professional' networking site, while Facebook and Bebo are mainly for fun. But there is some crossover, probably more professional in to FB for individuals and businesses these days.
Jane - thanks for your interesting comments, it's great to hear your perspective and have you involved!
And the 'Anonymous' post that said I was 'stirring the pot'- it really wasn't intended to do so. To be honest, it is just a little ridiculous & baffling to see how much time is spent slagging Gen Y's (or the Millenials) work and life ethic! It has been a vicious cycle going on for decades btwn Gens, and all I'm saying is let's now be smarter and turn the differences in to positive insights.
Great post Nicole
ReplyDelete