I Wanna Talk About Me You by Davey Reed

Generations Come and Generations Go Baby Boomers (40s-50s) Generation X (60-70s) Millennials Millennials (80s+)

Generations Come and Go I’m Going DOWN (How sad!) and You’re Coming UP (How glad!)

Millennials A Little Bit About the Environment and Times in which “Millennials” Grew Up Most watched-over and protected generation in history Hovered over by “Helicopter Parents”

Let’s see if you are a classical Millennial. Millennials Millennials have been much studied and written about (For example: Neil Howe & William Strauss, Millennials Rising – The Next Generation) Let’s see if you are a classical Millennial.

Millennials Experiences and Characteristics? Heavily programmed activities by parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, organizations, etc. (soccer Monday, church Wednesday, dance Friday, etc.) Like working on projects and activities in teams. (I don’t want to work alone.) Like team based rewards/grades/recognition. (If the team does well, I should reap some of the rewards.) Don’t like to keep score . (no “winners” or “MVP”, rather the reward is in the “participation” and “experience” gained) Like immediate recognition (star on helmet or at-a-boy for good play versus end of season reward)

Millennials

Millennials Expectations Let’s determine how these experiences have molded your expectations.

Millennials Millennial’s Expectations? Expect to work with teams, friends and positive people, and have fun. (I want to like and be liked by my co-workers.) Expect to be rewarded for participation, not only individual accomplishment. (I want share the rewards for the team’s accomplishments.) Expect a reward for everything I do. (I expect a star or trophy for my contributions.) Do not expect my job to control my life and other activities. (I, my family and my friends come first.) Expect to rise to the top quickly. (I expect to make a good salary and be the “boss” while I am still young and can enjoy it.)

Generation Gap Baby Boomers and Generation Xers may have different Expectations than Millennials How many of you have “Helicopter Parents” that have different expectations for you than you do for yourself ? This is how “Generation Gaps” Arise

Generation Gap Let’s explore a couple of examples of how this “Generation Gap” due to “Different Expectations” may cause “Generations to Clash”

Millennials may expect grade inflation. Clash of Generations Millennials: Expect a reward based on how hard they worked, and not necessarily on what they have accomplished. Translation Millennials may expect grade inflation.

Clash of Generations Millennials: Like working on projects and activities in teams, and Like team based rewards/grades/recognition Translation Millennials may expect to be rewarded for the team’s accomplishments, even if your work on the team is sub-par.

Clash of Generations Millennials: Expect “teamwork” & “organized activities”, and do not consider “helping each other” as wrong. Translation Millennials may not understand “My Generation’s” definition of scholastic dishonesty (cheating!) Millennials may Google and cut-and-paste and plagiarize, without proper citation. Millennials may help each other on take home exams, lab reports, etc. that are supposed to be completed alone.

Clash of Generations Millennials: Expect to rise to the top quickly. Translation Millennials may expect a high beginning salary. Millennials may expect to move up the ladder quickly, maybe without paying your dues.

Do not expect job to control their life and other activities. Clash of Generations Millennials: Do not expect job to control their life and other activities. Translation Millennials may not be willing to put in the time some jobs require, i.e. “pay your dues”.

Let’s not end on negatives about the “Millennials”

Millennials - Positives Positives about these “Millennials” violent crime, tobacco and alcohol use, and teen pregnancy are down aptitude test scores, optimism about the future, and trust of mom & dad, authority and government are up you are the most respectful students I have ever taught your teamwork skills may be synergistic and allow you to accomplish more you are the best well educated, technologically advanced, and technologically comfortable generation in the history of the universe (as we know it)! Some feel you Millennials will become the Next Great Generation

What Should Be Your “Realistic” Expectations Millennials must realize: ”My Generation” will assign your grades, hire you, promote you, and fire you. You must learn how to live and function in “My Generation’s System” Until of course You Become the “Established Generation” and then you get to start making the “Rules”

Millennials Rising It’s not too far down the line! Millennials – Your day is coming!