Millennials As "Generation WE" Or Parroting Greenberg's Manifesto?
by Scott Degraffenreid
Even if you've watched it before now I'd encourage you to take another look at the whole thing before reading further. There's a lot to consider here. I found this video both heartening and disturbing. While it is partly a scripted reflection of Eric Greenberg's personal observations and agenda I believe it accurately represents a prevalent and growing dissatisfaction with not just the status quo, but the possible future Millennials believe they are confronted with.
They clearly feel they've been handed a colossal mess and that it will be up to them to prevent an otherwise inevitable decline and looming catastrophe. They are increasingly aware of their economic and political clout and seem determined to consolidate it and wield it for maximum effect.
Whether you agree with all the statements made or not the general tone of what I'll call irate optimism voiced by the Millennials may not engender strong feelings of support and collaboration from older generations. That could be a problem. Frankly I have no issue with their sense of having been exploited. We have in fact squandered their inheritance and left them a hell of a mess. The problem is the underlying unspoken assumption that they will be doing this in opposition to older generations,
I think at least part of this contentious attitude can be ascribed to Mr. Greenberg's old-school thought patterns. People of our generation like to think of ourselves as “fighting the good fight”. We need an opposing philosophy or position to push off against. I've heard it said that if the Vietnam War had not already existed it would've been necessary to invent it. When I talk to Millennials, I find they are almost invariably more concerned with progress than protests. They care about credibility but not necessarily credit. Mr. Greenberg's manifesto seems to drive a wedge where a bridge is actually needed.
Millennials are the most collaborative generation the world has ever known. They haven't grown up playing zero-sum (in order for me to win you must lose) games. They intuitively understand the value of social networks and how to use them. They are by nature marvelously inclusive. Rather than asking the question “Will you join us?”, which amounts to asking us to take sides, a truly Millennial question might be “Will you come play with us?” or “How can we reach you?”.
Millennials are about greeting not beating. There's no longer a need nor is their time for Kant’s linear thesis-antithesis-synthesis protocol. The non-linear Millennials are ready to move immediately to synthesis. Left to their own devices they will not feel compelled to throw out the proverbial baby with the Boomerized bathwater. They will selectively and collaboratively build on the best of what has worked in the past, bringing technological and social innovations to resolve problems on the next level.
They don't need our approval or even an apology but they do deserve our trust and support. Millennials have been widely derided and dismissed as spoiled, petulant, fickle and lazy. We need to tell them that we know better and we’re ready to work with them. Our economy, our environment and our future don't have time for generational squabbling.
If you know someone who works with, teaches, raises or just cares about Millennials please consider forwarding this newsletter to them. Thank you.
Follow up - CNN Interview of Greenberg
Scott Degraffenreid, Social Network Architect
Scott Degraffenreid is a Social Network Analyst who brings a wealth of knowledge in the areas of business referrals, employee retention and recruiting.
As a Behavioral Statistician and Social Network Analyst, he has participated in projects for over one hundred organizations with accountabilities ranging from survey research, database analysis and field studies to research design and statistical modeling of group behaviors.
Scott’s ability to assimilate and grasp intricate organizational issues as they relate to corporate and market dynamics allows him to bring a unique mathematical perspective to complex environments.
To contact Scott's office: 1.360.830.6692
