Friday, March 31, 2017

The M Word

It was another lively #NextChat this week, full of HR Professionals giving advice to Young Professionals. As I get ready to attend my 10th straight Society for Human Resource Management Annual Conference, I recall overhearing the term Millennial at the first one I attended. What followed were seminars, webinars, keynotes, product launches and panel discussions conducted by old people alerting the workplace as to how to engage young people.

... and here we are 10 years later, Generational Stereotyping with renewed fervor. Could it be as the door closes on the Baby Boomer that fear of career extinction has heightened the need for control? When do the Millennials get a group to bully?

While the elder statesmen advise how to manage those of other generations, anyone who dare counter offer advice to the more-experienced are attacked for being disrespectful.

Indeed, The use of the M Word is part of a movement by those out of touch attempting to keep their bruised bully hand on the hammer of control.

It all started with a witty commencement speech by a well-intended intellectual who sought to warn young graduates of the harsh reality of life.


Imagine you work your ass off in class while balancing an after school job as you deal with your parent's second divorce. The reward: This guy shits on your big day by assuming entitlement had bought you a ticket to your graduation.

Frank Martin had a more subtle inflection while preparing his team for the NCAA Men's Basketball tournament.



We are all human and uniquely skilled in our ability to insult one another with all the best intentions in mind. But, the hypocrisy of the tenured to insult the newly enshrined has never been more prevalent.

Don't agree?

Show me the chat where Millennials have been called upon to give advice as to how to manage Baby Boomers?

The reality is this:

You were put on this earth to experience life for its every glory and disappointment through your own experience... and to share it!

The more people you are able to influence before you die, the closer you get to immortality.

I have the divine privilege to sit in the coffee shop with retired folks every morning. The conversation is enlightened and appreciated from both sides. I work with college men and women on a weekly basis. I coach 8 year old girls and 12 year old boys. I interact with people from 20 to 80 years of age in my professional life... every... single.... day.

Everyone has something to offer. No one would care to categorize their place on the generational totem pole until you erect said pole in the middle of the room.

I have a few thoughts for people of all ages.

You Are Special
Every day, you walk into a world full of people who have embraced the principle that it is easier to be negative than to try to make the world a better place. The one ethos any person can embrace is that of naysayer. The easiest thing in the world is to give up and sit firmly in a self-appointed thrown of judgment over others.

The harsh reality of the world hits us all at different times. I have found, however, that the longer you hold off telling people to quit the more they grow toward the development of a positive lifestyle.

You should begin and end each day, not by checking your phone, but by thinking of one great thing you have achieved. One thing: Be it a spelling bee win, a little league championship or the time you learned to tie your shoes.... think of something you've done well.

The Only Person Who Knows Best
No One gets the privilege of conducting your life:
  • Not your parents 
  • Not your pastor 
  • Not your coach 
  • Not your boss 
... you will leave the nest at some point under your own power and cognition. Only you will always be with you: Every day, every minute, where ever you go!

It boils down to 2 simple things:
1. Accept advice from anyone who is willing to give it
2. Get good at Loving Yourself!

The test you failed will seem insignificant if your mom dies that same day. The game you lost won't matter if you parents tell you they are getting divorced that evening. The girl who broke up with you may look less-desirable when you look her up on Facebook 10 years later.



It's your life! Don't Listen to Me or Anybody!

.... If you've Got a Dream - Protect It!
.... If you want something bad enough - Go Get It!

It's a hell of a lot easier to try than to sit around listening to those who want to tell you why you can't!

Don't Forget to Remember!

Dave

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