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Just as our grandparents, the Greatest Generation, were essentially defined by their tenacity, Generation Y will likely be defined by our procacity. In other words, Generation Y will likely revolutionize the business world by forwardness, pertness and petulance.
Forwardness. Call it a result of our Baby Boomer parents working too hard to give us too much, but we Gen Y’rs tend to be pretty forward. Once we know what we want (once probably being the key word, sometimes determining what we want takes us awhile), we want it now and we’ll seek it out. Relentlessly. Unlike generations before us, we aren’t afraid to ask for what we want, if we think it is ours for the taking. So what if we’ve only been at our job for a few weeks? If there is an empty cubicle where we prefer to sit, we’ll ask our boss to switch. It’s not that we don’t think we should pay our dues; we just have no problem being direct. Why move from Point A to Point B before reaching Point C if we see a way to go directly from A to C? If in a strategic and non-invasive manner, our procacity (forwardness) should help us get noticed by management more quickly and yield rapid promotions.
Pertness. Some may think we’ve lost respect for our elders because Generation Y tends to be a bit saucy in our speech and behavior. It’s not really a lack of respect so much as a different way of seeing things and determination to be heard and understood. We don’t take “because that’s how we’ve always done things” as an answer to why a particular process or procedure is in place. So what if the new guy on the team typically just takes notes and does what is assigned? If we think there is a better way to do something, we’re going to suggest it and we’re not afraid to rock the boat (or hurt feelings) in the process. If timed correctly, our procacity (pertness) can give us more responsibility and opportunities early in our careers.
Petulance. If we channel our impatience with the things we don’t understand into creating solutions, there will be no stopping Generation Y from taking business to new and unforeseen heights. One of our greatest frustrations is a company failing to embrace technology, social media in particular. We just don’t tolerate it and we’ll make no effort to disguise our disgust. So, yes, we tend to be a bit impertinent and will often say why we think it’s dumb. But, as long as our tirade is followed up with viable solutions, our procacity (petulance) can not only be forgiven, but will increase a company’s effectiveness (thereby improving the bottom line).
We are Generation Y. Yes, we are forward. Yes, we are pert (sometimes impertinent). And, yes, we are petulant. But, we are motivated and want to be involved. When we channel our procacity, Generation Y is a professional force to be reckoned with.
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Comments
10.01.09
I feel like I've read this post here before. While I guess it's a good explanation of where you're coming from, I'm not sure it goes beyond that as well. There are pros and cons to all of this, just as there are to, well, everything.
10.02.09
@kateNonymous, I suppose there are a a lot of ways to say the same thing. Generation Y tends to be a bit outspoken and will consequently impact the workplace. You are correct that there are pros and cons to this. I tried to note a few of the conditional clauses. And, definitely not all Gen Y'rs have the fortitude to know how to channel these tendencies into good energies. But, there are many who do and they are making a big difference where they work. If you need examples of that, look around at the people on this site.
10.02.09
@sharalyn, I'm sure that there are plenty of people making a difference where they work. Here's the thing: I'm not willing to just take their word for it. What I say about myself, and what my co-workers and bosses say about me, may not be the same thing at all. And I also know that changes often have long-term consequences, so what looks like a short-term benefit may not actually be all that great over time.
Your post has a pretty common theme for this site. The topic has been discussed a lot already. I'm not sure there's a lot to go on here at this point.
10.02.09
By the way, I think it's important to think about how people interpret what you say. It is very easy for "We're going to change everything!" to sound like "You don't know what you're doing."
Which is an extremely presumptuous and rude thing to say, and an excellent way to get off on the wrong foot and have people NOT want to mentor you.
10.02.09
Point well taken.
There is definitely a difference between making viable suggestions and changing for the sake of change (sort of like the movie "In Good Company" with Dennis Quaid and Topher Grace). It is a great illustration of the goods and bads of Gen Y teaming up with the more experienced in the workplace. The company floundered when it gave into the new guy's suggestions without incorporating the existing methods that were working. Then when the two started working together and doing a little bit of both, combining the tried & true with the new, things worked out. Obviously that is an idealistic Hollywood example, but I think it still demonstrates a point. There was something to be learned from both sides and when both were willing to be taught and voice opinions, good things happened.
And, yes, this is a topic much discussed, but I think it is important to do so. There is something to be said for positive reinforcement and creating a support group. We all know it's rough out there, especially now. Good jobs and promotions are even more difficult to land. When you're new in your career, it's easy to talk yourself out of going for it. Brazen is a great place for ambitious and dedicated Gen Y'rs to seek reassurance and support to keep trying and working hard. There's definitely nothing wrong with that.
10.13.09
I will begin by saying that I am a champion of Gen Y's in the workplace and I do believe that they will make a huge difference in organizational life as we know it.
And I can't tell you the number of performance appraisals that I have facilitated where characteristics like forwardness and petulance came under the heading of career limiting moves!
One of the key learnings for anyone in organizations is becoming self-aware of how ones behaviors impact others. Directness, sauciness in speech and/or behavior, and impatience for getting things done can be both appropriate and inappropriate depending on the circumstances. A lack of self-awareness can lead to one having results the opposite of what one intended. I offer these observations in the spirit of helping Gen Y's be effective.
10.13.09
@Dr. John Thank YOU so much for your comment! First for not only your candor, but the kind and understanding way you delivered your thoughts. I tried to briefly touch on the key of knowing when to be this way. I couldn't agree more. I've seen many Gen Y'rs that haven't known when were the appropriate times to be forward or petulant and when were not. And, I've felt my way around, and been forward at key moments and literally been offered some incredible opportunities as a result. And so much of it is in the manner in which you deliver you thoughts. I think I need to do a follow-up to this for sure. But, thank you so much for your thoughts! Please keep them coming.
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