by Linda Tarrant
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this story to a friend
Have
you noticed that young employees seem different from us old timers?
Some of us may even think they’re not as hard working, loyal or
respectful.
They certainly don’t do what they’re told without first asking
why. Why
are they so different?
One of the reasons may be that their growing-up experiences were so
totally different from ours. For instance, look at how schools are
different now than they were back in our day.
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In
My Day
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Today’s
Classroom
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Sat in my desk, in neat rows
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Sit in small groups at
tables
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Didn’t talk in class
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Noise means you’re working
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Did my own work
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Group projects – teamwork
is expected
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Was graded for my own work
(A-F)
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Graded as a group for
participation as well as presentation, less emphasis on letter
grades
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Address the teacher by last
name – was respectful
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Don’t show “proper”
respect
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Didn’t talk back
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Question everything and
everybody
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One less for everyone – no
individual instruction
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Students work at different
levels, progressing at their own rate
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Low technology
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High tech – computers
everywhere
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Everyone looked alike
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Different abilities,
languages, nationalities, etc.
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Fist fights on the
playground
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The fear of violence
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It’s
no wonder we’re different. Young employees have been taught to be
involved, question authority and face up to conflict.
They may not all be good team players, but they have more
experience than we do.
To us, it’s a new world.
To the younger employee, it’s business as usual.
They know how to do this stuff.
And I’m sure they’d be happy to help us learn these skills, if
we’d just ask them.
Linda Tarrant is a keynote speaker who brings insight,
inspiration and humour to people and organizations in transition. She speaks
on change, creativity, leadership, trust, and personal power. Linda can be
reached at TOC Consulting, (416) 533-1532 or via her web site at www.lindatarrant.com.
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this story to a friend
© The Donvër Corporation 2001
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