Differing Opinions

Recently I asked my students in my Team Building and Conflict Resolution class, who are all seniors, what they want future employers to know.?

Many of them say they are tired of being called “lazy” and that they have a poor work ethic.

They gave examples where they finished their work (in some cases faster than their older colleagues because they used newer technology techniques) and then did not have anything to do, so why sit at their desks looking at the clock or their phone when they could be more getting chores done at home, etc.?

When I mention this to my corporate trainees, their response is that “they should ask for more work, show initiative, and develop new ideas or solutions to problems”.

That got me to thinking about when I was a Gen Z’s age and my relationship with my manager.?

My boss traveled sometimes for work and would leave me tasks to complete. Usually, I finished these tasks pretty quickly so I was left to my own devices for at least a few hours with nothing to do.?

Many of my colleagues, who were on a different team than me, traveled most of the time so there were not even people for me to converse with. It was frustrating to sit there when I could have gotten other things done outside the office.

Some leaders do not like when their subordinates attempt to make suggestions which I also have witnessed with some of my clients.?

These insecure leaders do not want to be upstaged so they disregard new ideas and sometimes even belittle the ones who suggest them. “That will never work here” or “we don’t have the resources, etc.”.?

I chuckle at that because some of the most farfetched ideas are now things we can’t seem to live without, including our cell phones, AirBnB, and Uber.?

If you watch the old cartoon sitcom, The Jetsons, that first aired in 1962, most of their daily life is now happening, such as Zoom and robotic maids!

?Click here to read more of my latest blog!