A MESSAGE TO GENERATION Y: OLD MENTAL SOFTWARE CAN KILL YOUR CAREER
On the 18th of November, the world’s leading finance ministers and central bank governors, representing around two-thirds of the world’s population and 85 percent of world gross domestic product, arrived in Melbourne for the G-20 forum. They were met by thousands of young people protesting against globalisation. Some protesters were university students, some members of left-wing political groups (such as the ‘Stop G20’ and ‘Stop G8’ groups). Others were suited young men and women with corporate jobs who are driven to protest a concept that they feel is eroding many people’s way of life.
However, it is the very need that drives these young people to stand up and protest the G20 forum that can make them successful in a changing globalised economy.
Now, more than ever, attitude and a willingness to adapt are critical to career success in the 21st century. Motivation is no longer a cute American ‘rah-rah’ phenomenon, but a serious necessity for those wishing to do well in the new market environment. As competition increases, an attitude of ferocious curiosity, adaptability and creativity is required in order not to get left behind. While some struggle to fathom the seismic shift that is occurring right before our eyes, others in Generation Y are realising, more and more, that this is the case.
This shift is a result of the flattening forces of globalisation, which have removed physical borders and levelled the economic playing field. In this environment, humankind is destined to do things ‘better, faster, quicker’; and while some streamline their energies into smashing McDonald’s shopfronts and burning Starbucks tall latte cups, many in Generation Y are surfing at the forefront of global entrepreneurialism and political developments, while exploring new communication and lifestyle freedoms.
Ironically, the questioning attitudes that result in this type of ‘destructive vandalism’ are the very same qualities that make Generation Y a paradigm-shifting generation. On the one hand they are the most medicated generation in history, while on the other hand they are very focused on personal development, evolution and happiness.
Constant change is a way of life for them, yet many strive for traditional family values. They question the sobriety in job or industry loyalty, while at the same time seeking coaching, feedback and competent leadership for their own progress. It is almost like they play Devil’s Advocate with themselves. This flexibility of perceptual positions gives them a huge advantage in their analytical, communication and investigative competencies, and can, if used wisely, be enormously attractive attributes in the marketplace.
It is no longer enough, though, just to have brains and talent. Young Australians are now competing with a multitude of hungry global citizens from every continent. Remember that in China, when you are one in a million, there are 1,300 people who are just like you. That is called cut-throat competition.
So to compete successfully in this era, you have to constantly upgrade your skills. There will be plenty of good jobs and business opportunities out there in the flat world for people with the knowledge and the ideas to seize them. Hence, a love for learning, motivation and a passion to grow as a person have become qualities with a real price-tag attached to them. This attitude is the key to success and many in Generation Y have consciously or unconsciously made this link, while others are still struggling to find the empowering meaning behind globalisation.
Now is the perfect time for the members of Generation Y to be asking themselves some important questions. Will they choose to be involved in protests, or will they, through changes to their attitudes, become the new world leaders and make a meaningful and lasting impact on the world economy, by being involved in ‘creative destruction’ of the old and inefficient ways of the past rather than meaningless vandalism?
The message to all of Generation Y – stop smashing McDonald’s, upgrade your mental software, find your positive meaning in life and pursue it with passion. You are bound to be met with success – however you define it.
Anders Sorman-Nilsson is Managing Director and Founder of Thinque, a corporate training and coaching firm employing the latest in cutting-edge human communication methodologies tailored for its family of Generation X and Y clients.
www.thinque.com.au
