Generation Y

Generation Y

Last Saturday in a professional meeting , the reference of “Gen Y “, came during a presentation by the faculty on “ Operational Challenges in Automobile  Industry “ .

It was quite interesting to hear a different version on Gen Y . The literal meaning of Gen Y is understood by me as the present day teens. I am four decades ahead of them . When the speaker explained his own version of Gen Y , it looks that his expression seems to fit to the younger generation.

Father advices his  young son not to ride the motorbike at high speed !The immediate reaction of the young one is “ WHY ? “

Mother tells her daughter not to come late from college ! The energetic young girl reacts “ WHY ? “

Even for positive advice like ‘do  revise the topic taught in school or college on daily basis  at home on the same day ‘ invites a big question from the  adolescent “ WHY ? “

So the younger generation asks Why?, Why ?, Why ? for all parental guidences and so the younger generations of the present times are called GEN Y !!!

The speaker explained the appropriate meaning of Gen Y in a sarcastic way , but it is acceptable by older people like us.

After that I went into internet to find what is Gen Y and  what are the common traits of Gen Y . The causal reading gives a good understanding and  made me to realize the reality.

Before going to Gen Y , I would like to share what is Gen X also. Hope the  reader will have a clear meaning of Gen X and Gen Y.

The phrase Generation Y first appeared in an August 1993 Ad Age editorial to describe teenagers of the day, which they defined as different from Generation X( # ) , and then aged 12 or younger as well as the teenagers of the upcoming ten years.

( # )The term "Generation X" was coined by the Magnum photographer Robert Capa in the early 1950s. He used it later as a title for a photo-essay about young men and women growing up immediately after the Second World War. The project first appeared in "Picture Post" (UK) and "Holiday" (US) in 1953. Describing his intention, Capa said "We named this unknown generation, The Generation X, and even in our first enthusiasm we realised that we had something far bigger than our talents and pockets could cope with."

 Below are a few common traits that define Generation Y.

Tech-Savvy: Generation Y grew up with technology and rely on it to perform their jobs better. Armed with BlackBerrys, laptops, cellphones and other gadgets, Generation Y is plugged-in 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This generation prefers to communicate through e-mail and text messaging rather than face-to-face contact and prefers webinars and online technology to traditional lecture-based presentations.

Family-Centric: The fast-track has lost much of its appeal for Generation Y who is willing to trade high pay for fewer billable hours, flexible schedules and a better work/life balance. While older generations may view this attitude as narcissistic or lacking commitment, discipline and drive, Generation Y legal professionals have a different vision of workplace expectations and prioritize family over work.

Achievement-Oriented: Nurtured and pampered by parents who did not want to make the mistakes of the previous generation, Generation Y is confident, ambitious and achievement-oriented. They have high expectations of their employers, seek out new challenges and are not afraid to question authority. Generation Y wants meaningful work and a solid learning curve.

Team-Oriented: As children, Generation Y participated in team sports, play groups and other group activities. They value teamwork and seek the input and affirmation of others. Part of a no-person-left-behind generation, Generation Y is loyal, committed and wants to be included and involved.

Attention-Craving: Generation Y craves attention in the forms of feedback and guidance. They appreciate being kept in the loop and seek frequent praise and reassurance. Generation Y may benefit greatly from mentors who can help guide and develop their young careers.

Let us take the positive points of Gen Y and watch them how they take the world with them !

I wonder in which GEN ….. I will  fit ?  I am 61 years old ! Will it be “GEN O” or "Gen OH ! “