Tesar-Reynes

In the course of interviewing senior management, there has been a constant buzz about the quality of the entry level people who have been recently hired and supervised by them. I suspect that this conversation is very parallel to when I came into the work force. I also believe that the accusations and frustrations surrounding the Millennials are more thought-provoking and different from the previous cohorts.

Almost all of the comments rotate around the generation’s sense of entitlement. There appears to be an almost universal sense that this generation sees themselves as unique, the best and the brightest that ever existed, and should be treated that way. The issues below tend to flow from this attitude:

Work Ethic

I will work when I want, I am able to multitask so I can text during a meeting when the speaker is boring. I don’t have to work long hours; I am good enough to get all that I think is needed to get done during a 9-5 day.

Enlightenment

I have spent all my life learning and in focused activities. I am far smarter and more intuitive than you would believe. Let me teach you the new way to do things.

Assimilation (Borgness)

I personally may not have all the answers, but me and my friends are the Championship Team: we will get the answer right the first time and don’t have to go back and review our decisions.

Pragmatism

I will only work for you as long as you recognize and reward me for my wonderfulness. Once you stop, I am out of here.

Respect

Just because you are my superior doesn’t mean I have to respect you. It has been a long time since you got out of school and you are out of date. You probably have your job because you stayed with the company so long.

Money

No matter what you pay me it is not enough. Not only am I worth it but I have big loans to pay off.

Are all these accusations true? Absolutely not. But where there is smoke there is fire. The Millennial is a needed and unique asset that is the future of industry. What is necessary is for both sides to come together and create synergy. Any comments on how to do this?