Who We Are, What We Do, Why We Matter

By Bruce Lund, NEXTPERT
Topic: Career Development, Marketing, Networking, Personal Branding, Success Strategies, Reputation Management, Social Media, Entrepreneurship, Gen Y, Job Searching

www.nextpert.net

Our Biggest Strengths Are Our Biggest Weaknesses

By the numbers, Gen Y is a generation to be taken seriously as soon as we begin to take ourselves more seriously. We bring a different behavior standard to Corporate America from an entrepreneurial standpoint with a confidence, technological advantage, and a collected self-esteem. This culture phenomenon is trying to take over the workforce.

Our Generation has never been without technology whether it be cell phones or the Internet. The power of “Google” makes nothing impossible and with blackberries you hardly notice the difference between an email and a text. As a result, grammar enthusiasts are reeling with every short-hand word used.

The generation gap on the job is apparent for any person that is employed at a large corporation. With four difference generations (Gen Y, Gen X, Baby Boomers, and the Silent Generation) in the workplace for the first time ever, each generation brings a vastly different set of perspectives and traits. So how do you bridge the gaps of these differently scripted individuals?

To understand why this gap exists it starts by looking at the newest addition to the Generation family joining the job force—Gen Y. We have many characteristics to excel in the business world with the “anything is possible” mentality. This attitude can be an entrepreneurial drive, and some have even started in grade school chasing that dream. Technology is a marketing tool that every generation needs and our generation is the first to master it which will help grow any business if utilized properly with a good product.

With every resource at our fingertips, it is easier than ever to start a business and get the word out about it. But that is also creating a problem for those who are not entrepreneurs, which are far higher than those that are. With all this sense entitlement and I can do anything attitude, employers are struggling to manage our generation. We have been scripted by our over-involved parents with a false sense of confidence and certain realities (how to serve others, parents showing up for job interviews, parents phoning in about problems at work; to name a few).

As the saying goes, “our biggest strengths are usually our biggest weaknesses.” The same technology that gives us distinct advantages over every other generation is also a hindrance in communication. Social networking is far different than interpersonal skills. 

For the other generations that are unable to find common ground to live, work, and play with our distinctive generation; I will continue to offer perspective on our different upbringing that may drive you nuts. Others, maybe including yourself, have given us a distinct character that leaves you confused as to how to manage us. For my generational peers, you’ll learn our distinct differences from why our experience doesn’t always add up to our expectations. Together, we will explore how to turn our passion into a tangible action that is far more meaningful than just a job.

Regardless of your current thoughts about Gen Y, together let’s fight this battle together because soon our generation of leaders will be dictating which products will be successful. Let’s disengage these thoughts of being lazy, disrespectful, and self-entitled but instead show our need for mentors to show us the necessary values needed to be successful in any market. No more talk about “potential” but let’s turn it into results.

Bruce Lund is the Founder & CEO of NEXTPERT, a training and consulting firm offering insight and strategies to help recruit, train, and retain the best of the Next Generation leaders. Bruce is a Next Generation Expert completing his Ph.D. on the leadership of this unique group. Bruce has worked in and through many top organizations and teaches the whole self (Mind, Body, Heart, Spirit) approach in leading. He is seeking to become THE Leadership Expert Generation Y can count on for guidance to take them from where they are right now and teach them the distinctive habits of successful people to live an extraordinary life.