Challenges of Modern Life

It appears that managing Millennials, who belong to a generation born around 1984 and onwards, is challenging. They often face accusations of entitlement, narcissism, self-interest, lack of focus, and laziness. The concept of entitlement is particularly significant, and it perplexes leaders. When leaders ask Millennials what they desire, they express a desire to work in purpose-driven environments and make an impact. They mention vague notions of wanting free food and bean bags. Even when these provisions are provided, Millennials still remain unsatisfied. This dissatisfaction stems from a missing piece. From my observations, I can break it down into four factors: parenting, technology, impatience, and environment.

Many Millennials grew up under failed parenting strategies, where they were constantly told they were special and entitled to anything they wanted. Some received honors and grades not based on merit, but due to parental influence. Participation medals were handed out even for last place, devaluing hard work and embarrassing those who knew they didn't deserve the recognition. Upon entering the real world after graduation, they realize they are not as special as they were led to believe. Their self-image shatters, leading to lower self-esteem compared to previous generations. Compounding the issue is the social media world, where people put filters on their lives, portraying an idealized version of reality. Everyone seems tough and having it all figured out, while in reality, most people lack toughness and clarity. When senior individuals ask for solutions, they provide advice without truly understanding the situation. Consequently, an entire generation grows up with lower self-esteem, despite it not being their fault. They were dealt a difficult hand.

Now, let's consider the role of technology. We are aware that engaging with social media and our cell phones triggers the release of dopamine, a chemical that generates a positive feeling. We've all experienced moments when we feel down or lonely, so we send out multiple texts to friends, seeking a response because it feels good to receive one. This desire for approval also manifests in counting likes on social media posts and constantly checking our Instagram growth. Dopamine, the same chemical that provides pleasure when smoking, drinking, or gambling, is highly addictive. Surprisingly, there are age restrictions on smoking, gambling, and alcohol, but none on social media and cell phones. It's like leaving the liquor cabinet open for teenagers, suggesting that if adolescence becomes overwhelming, they can turn to these addictive devices. Consequently, an entire generation now has access to a numbing and addictive influence. Just as many alcoholics discovered alcohol during their teenage years as a coping mechanism, some individuals stumble upon the numbing effects of dopamine.

Unfortunately, this wiring in their brains persists, leading them to turn to substances rather than people when faced with stress. Social stress, financial stress, and career stress often drive alcoholics to drink. Similarly, with unrestricted access to dopamine-producing devices and media, this addiction is becoming deeply ingrained. As these individuals grow older, many struggle to form meaningful relationships, acknowledging that their friendships are superficial and unreliable. They may have fun with their friends, but they don't count on them or rely on them. They lack the skills to cultivate deep connections and, worse still, lack coping mechanisms to deal with stress. Instead of seeking support from others, they turn to devices and social media for temporary relief. Scientific research shows that excessive Facebook usage correlates with higher rates of depression. The key lies in balance, as alcohol or gambling can be enjoyable in moderation.

Similarly, there's nothing inherently wrong with social media and cell phones; it's the imbalance that poses a problem. For instance, if you're sitting at dinner with friends and texting someone who isn't present, that's an addiction. Placing your phone on the table during a meeting sends a subconscious message that the people in the room aren't a priority. The inability to put away your phone indicates addiction. If checking your phone takes precedence over greeting your partner in the morning, it signifies an addictive pattern. Just like any addiction, over time it will damage relationships, consume time and money, and make life worse. Therefore, we have a generation growing up with lower self-esteem and lacking adequate coping mechanisms to deal with stress.

Currently, there is an additional factor contributing to stress: impatience. The millennial generation has grown up in a world of instant gratification. If they want to purchase something, they turn to Amazon and receive it the next day. Watching movies and TV shows no longer requires waiting for specific time slots; instead, they binge-watch entire seasons. Even dating has become effortless with swipe-right decisions. This culture of instant gratification has eliminated the need to learn social skills and cope with discomfort. Everything is accessible immediately, except for job satisfaction and strong relationships. Unfortunately, there is no app for that. These aspects require patience and enduring the slow, messy processes of life.

However, when I meet with recent graduates, many express a desire to quit their entry-level jobs because they feel they aren't making an impact. They fail to recognize that impactful achievements take time and effort. It's as if they stand at the foot of a mountain, craving impact at the summit, without acknowledging the arduous journey ahead. Patience is a crucial lesson they need to learn. Without it, they risk falling off the mountain, leading to alarming consequences such as increased suicide rates, drug overdoses, and depression among this generation. In the best-case scenario, they may simply go through life without experiencing true joy or fulfillment. We must also consider the environment in which they are placed. These young individuals, who have already been dealt a challenging hand, are often placed in corporate settings that prioritize short-term gains over their well-being. These environments fail to nurture their confidence, cooperative skills, and ability to navigate the challenges of a digital world. Instead, they perpetuate the need for instant gratification and neglect the importance of long-term hard work. Consequently, we witness a detrimental cycle where these youngsters blame themselves for their struggles, exacerbating the situation. It is essential to assure them that they are not at fault.

The issue lies not with the individuals, but with the corporate environments and the lack of effective leadership in our world today. These young people have been dealt a challenging hand, and it is the responsibility of the companies to address this. Unfortunately, society and parents have not done an adequate job in preparing them, so now it is up to us, the companies, to fill the gaps. We must exert extra effort to boost their confidence and teach them the social skills they are lacking. For instance, there should be a strict no-cell-phone policy in conference rooms. Instead of mindlessly waiting for meetings to start, we should engage in small talk and genuine conversations. Trust and relationships are formed through consistent, little interactions. By creating mechanisms that allow for these meaningful exchanges, we can foster trust and connection. We should also limit phone usage by charging them in living rooms instead of beside our beds. Removing the temptation to constantly check our phones will lead to more moments of innovation and ideas. As an industry, we have a responsibility to make up for the shortcomings and assist this remarkable, idealistic generation in building their confidence, learning patience, and finding a healthier balance between life and technology. It is simply the right thing to do.