Workers under 40 require far more stroking. They often like "trendy, name-brand merchandise" as rewards, but they also want near-constant feedback. "It's not enough to give praise only when they're exceptional, because for years they've been getting praise just for showing up," he says.
Wall Street Journal Online Article April 20,2007
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6 comments:
I read this article back in April, it was very true. This generation grew up being told every little thing they did was "wonderful". This is the same generation where "everyone" makes the team. Remember what a big deal it was to make the Little League team or the cheering leading squad? During my generation (baby boomers) not everyone was good enough to make the team and we learned how to fail, but to get back up on our feet again and move forward. I am not sure all praise, especially when not deserving of it, makes a better person. My opinion.
So many issues arise cross generationally. Learning to manage the differences is quite a task. Somehow, I'm glad to be a baby boomer....
I do agree with Chris. Learning to accept failure is so important. As a leader, team member, and manager, it is important for us to understand all of the generational differences. Nice posting Eileen.
Generation differences? What do you mean? Us gen y and Gen x's we are so difficult. How dare we think that thigns can work anyway we want. Just kidding. Great work!
As a member of "The Most-Praised Generation" to date I would like to think of it as a sharing of power. Gone are the days when your work as an employee is not valued or at the very least acknowledged. In addition it makes it a little more challenging for bosses to take the credit for your efforts without proper (or some) identification. But, on the other hand giving people kudos for the sake of giving kudos is an empty gesture; we still need to work for it!
As a member of the praise generation, I agree with Tahia. Praise is merely an acknowledgment of the person's contribution to work and society. Praise is recognition. Recognition means to "cognitize" someone, to realize they are there. What else is there, other than the people we're surrounded by? Of course, extravagant praise is more of an insult, but there is nothing wrong with telling someone they are valuable. We all are valuable, and, hey, we can tell each other that too. Isn't life great!
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