Busting the myths on Generation Y’s so-called flaws

At APMGroup, we are lucky enough to have a large database of personality profiles of Thai Generation X and Generation Y, so we thought it would be interesting to look at what the data tell us about the actual differences, and what it means for the workplace. 

We looked at more than 4,000 data sets, and what we found surprised us and broke some of the common assumptions about Generation Y.

 

Gen Y are nicer

Perhaps this is one of the less surprising results, but Gen Y are significantly more empathetic than their older colleagues. They’re warmer, easier to get along with, more easy-going, and generally more interested in other people and getting to know them. 

 

Gen Y are better connected 

Everyone thinks that younger generations only use technology to interact, but the fact is Gen Y are more outgoing, enjoy meeting others, have wider networks and are more comfortable initiating contact with new people. 

Like everyone else, they utilise technology to enable their sociability, but the underlying traits indicate that Gen Y will be more visible, better connected, and have stronger relationships and networks in the workplace. 

 

Gen Y are more fun 

It’s not just because they’re younger than Gen X that they seem to have more energy, there’s a significant personality difference that means Gen Y are on average more energetic, optimistic, lively and enthusiastic than Gen X. 

You may not have been surprised by these first three differences, but I think the next two will surprise most people.

 

Gen Y are more |conscientious

Forget the stereotype of lazy, inattentive, careless and unprofessional workers, because Gen Y are significantly more diligent, compliant, concerned about quality, and meticulous than their older colleagues. That’s right, they’re not only nicer, but they’re more professional too.

 

Gen Y are more composed

Again, please ignore the stereotype of over-emotional and needy people, because Gen Y are more composed and resilient under pressure and stress. They deal more effectively with challenging situations and rarely lose their cool. 

 

It’s not Gen Y who need the help … it’s Gen X 

“Detached, distant, isolated, disorganised, tense, moody, pessimistic and unenthusiastic” – does this sound like someone you want to work for? Yet it’s these Gen X traits that are still responsible for leading and retaining Gen Y talents, and it is Gen X who built and sustain the dreary, lifeless organisational cultures that too many Gen Y find themselves suffering in. 

The challenge isn’t that Gen Y “need to be taught how to work”, but rather how quickly you can groom Gen Y into key positions to transform your culture into a more collaborative, positive, productive and enjoyable environment. 

The people who need to reinvent themselves and transform to find a place in the emerging business world are my fellow Gen Xers – and it’s going to be quite a challenge. 

 

Richard Gilman is senior consultant at APMGroup, which specialises in organisational and people development. You can contact him at [email protected] or https://www.facebook.com/apmgroupthai.