Entitled, Lazy and Hyper-Sensitive? Gen-Z Mythology, and How to Overcome it
From fragile snowflakes to tech-addicted rudeness disguised as self-diagnosed attention deficit disorder, it’s no secret older generations have some pretty outspoken opinions about people born between 1997 and 2012. But here’s the big news — this pattern has been repeating itself since the beginning of time.
Just as Generation X was seen as sugar-addled, MTV-straddled, minds rotting in a sea of Coca Cola used to wash down another Big Mac, the more ‘mature’ adults of today are watching in horror as times do what they’ve always done, and change the record. It’s an understandably defensive position when you’re acutely aware that when the music stops playing you might be one of the next people who fails to find a seat.
The truth is, many generational stereotypes buck the stereotype trend and have little-to-no-bearing on reality. And this is patently clear when we look at 12 to 27-year-olds today, and then think about what we’re told to think about them. Sensitive? Or just acutely aware society has been prejudice, brutal, and uncaring to vast swathes of society? Lazy? Or just born in an era when technology is advanced enough to do a lot of legwork, and industries have evolved so “a real job” before may not mean the same thing as “a real job” does now? We could go on.
If you’re part of Gen Z, then this will no doubt ring true. As will a recent study by Intelligent.com which showed 8-in-10 respondents from this age group believe negative stereotypes about their generation have impacted their experience at work. 48% say this mindset has stifled opportunities for career growth, making them miss out on promotions, pay rises and other opportunities. Most think they have to work “unreasonably hard” to prove leadership potential and reliability. So it makes sense one-fifth consider themselves to be a source of tension with older people.
History, it seems, does repeat itself, and the really sad part is just how much is missed because of this very human phenomenon. Cross-generational friendships, fresh perspectives, and new understandings all come from taking people at face value, rather than on a reputation based around their date of birth. Thankfully, though, according to one expert in personal development and psychometrics, there are some things you can do to try and reset the relationship before rebuilding on more equal and fair terms.
Evidently concerned at Intelligence.com’s results, Guy Thornton, founder of Practice Aptitude Tests, has made several recommendations for Gen Z looking to convince their elders of worthiness, trustworthiness and right to leadership positions. This starts with taking ownership and showing pro-active problem solving skills, which dismisses the false notion that, just like the Millennials before them and their perpetual adolescence, this generation needs its hand-holding and can’t simply “get on” with what needs doing.
Lateral thinning is among the most transferable and universally in-demand employee trait, so don’t be afraid to flex this pro-muscle when given a chance. By considering improvements to workflows, getting hands dirty to help colleagues when needed, and even taking on tasks most people overlook, ignore or avoid, there will be no question that you understand the whole-of-business picture. And how every aspect of an operation contributes to efficiency and end results.
If we’re going to forge our own path it’s important to be aware of how this is received and perceived. So it’s vital to ask for feedback with a genuinely open mind as to what gets fed back. Then act on this, using constructive criticism to improve and up-skill, pinpointing areas you excel in and those you maybe do need a little hand-holding for. This shows other people you understand yourself, a key sign you are also capable of understanding others. A benchmark of any great leader.
Be grateful of those who take the time to feedback, too, and convey when advice is useful. And never, ever forget to acknowledge the people willing to offer opportunities. For as much as Gen Z stereotypes are unfair, anyone, of any age, can fall foul of feeling entitled to a specific role, without taking into account the fact there are a lot of other equally (and more) qualified candidates after the same position. Which brings us to the last point — don’t take setbacks to heart, instead treat them as learning experiences in an age when there has never been stronger competition for that all-important career break.