Management strategy

[discothefunkyhippo]

I can’t speak to other generations, but as a member of the generation with an 'attitude problem' I can say that I would have rolled my eyes at that announcement as well.

I don’t know about any of the details regarding your new job or the company you work for (I remember you posted about it, but don't remember details), I have been disillusioned with (large) companies who do “whatever it takes” to turn a profit. We are in the age of the start up where disruptors stand to turn a large profit by "doing what they want to do, when they want to do it”. Mobility is a valued asset in this day and age and the disconnected apathy is a symptom of this cultural value. Why should I get attached to my job when I am more valuable if I leave? At my company, we just lost an amazing engineer, who is ~25 years of age, to a startup catering to the ‘internet of things’. His motivation for leaving was directly related to the 'intricacies' of working for a large company. *cough over-zealous and under resourced management cough*

Our generation knows that you 'could' hire someone else for the job, but probably won’t because of the fact that companies will do what ever it takes to turn a profit. The bottom line is that it is cheaper to pay a 25 year old tech than a 45 year old tech. David, you are correct that it is cheaper to outsource labor to other countries, but there are plenty of companies now who pride themselves in providing domestic jobs while developing great products. The fact that I am utterly and entirely replaceable does not motivate me, not one bit. In fact it has the complete opposite effect on me. The people who perform the labor matter.

Although I completely agree with the phrase, "You have the freedom to be a part of the problem or a part of the solution, you chose” I think it comes off as trite condescending when coming from management because ultimately it is being used to pressure an individual to ‘make the right choice’. I will tell you what works for me. When my manager(s) include me in the discussion regarding the process in which I am a cog, I feel empowered to enact the plan ‘we’ have come up with. I put quotes around we because it is ultimately up to management, but I still felt like a collaborator rather than a replaceable piece of meat. Remember those apathetic, and ungrateful ‘children' that work you for have dreams of their own and if you want to inspire and motivate them speak to those dreams.

[dnar]

In this case I disagree. Our business is small (11 staff), and the techs are paid well with incentives bringing their package close to that of the seniors.... Half of the Gen Y techs having good attitudes. The others over estimate their importance and have no problem pushing others under the bus. Team play eludes some.

[flecom]

hakunamafuckit!!

[Draco]

my best job has management change to the attitude that every one could be replaced, it had the effect is scaring people to the poit quality suffered and then out sourcing will in the end be are own undoing . lowers the buying power of the people that got fired and have no job because slave labor in china too the contract. when i worked at terumo i was quite shocked and the degrading quality on medical equipment, i know there is allays out sourcing but use local companies, keep it in country it;s not sustainable other wise
i am a gen x tech and i will work for a wide range of things if i can i use ut as a chance to learn new things. i hate the stereotype that in my case "you cant teach old dragons new tricks"

[dnar]

We don't intend to scare staff, but it is clear that those that feel entitled without contributing as a team player are free to find some place else that will allow this, providing opportunities for others looking for a local position in a great small company.

[daction]

I have a 25 yo mate that I have sold old sound systems and lasers to. He pisses me off at times. I mean really pisses me off. What I gather about his mind set is that if what your saying isn't rational he is not "on board".
The potential difference in option arrives from the fact that he lacks the experience and or back ground knowledge that would other wise affect what he deems reasonable to be.

[dkumpula]

Our generation knows that you 'could' hire someone else for the job, but probably won’t because of the fact that companies will do what ever it takes to turn a profit. The bottom line is that it is cheaper to pay a 25 year old tech than a 45 year old tech. David, you are correct that it is cheaper to outsource labor to other countries, but there are plenty of companies now who pride themselves in providing domestic jobs while developing great products. The fact that I am utterly and entirely replaceable does not motivate me, not one bit. In fact it has the complete opposite effect on me. The people who perform the labor matter.

Of course the people matter. Of course companies want to make big profits (and the shareholders insist on it). Of course all employees should look out for what is in their best interests. The question is one of balance. If you job hop every year or two, eventually you will be lucky to get mundane contract work. You'll truly become the commodity that you claimed you were at the beginning.

I will tell you what works for me. When my manager(s) include me in the discussion regarding the process in which I am a cog, I feel empowered to enact the plan ‘we’ have come up with. I put quotes around we because it is ultimately up to management, but I still felt like a collaborator rather than a replaceable piece of meat. Remember those apathetic, and ungrateful ‘children' that work you for have dreams of their own and if you want to inspire and motivate them speak to those dreams.

Although it is wise to be inclusive where possible, my concern is many millennials and Gen Y types seem to think that a business should be a democracy with every decision being "voted on". That isn't practical, nor does it result in decisions that are in the business' long term interests. If you want to make decisions for the business on a daily basis, that's great! As a generation, stop whining, prove your meddle and work your way into management.

Alternatively, start your own business and see if you can do better. Be forewarned though. For every Élan Musk, there are a million "whatevers" who will live in their parents' basement into their 40s. :0

David

[dnar]

I am not saying all GenY are a problem. We have some very humble good techs (most of a them from another country-is there a connection?

Problem child is pissed he was not offered the position I am in. He did not apply for the position yet he feels he should have been offered it. Whenever I ask for his input he replies "I am not paid enough to have an opinion". The last time he said that I told him that could well be the reason management did not think he was capable of a senior role. Guess what his response was? What ever.

[Draco]

that does remind me of a position i had at a medical company, i had always wondered why one person was always pissy with me, i apparently got a position that i worked for and this person thought he was entitled to, he was gen x though, he had worked for the company longer but lacked the skill needed for the position

[Draco]

the only time i have felt kinda bad is me and my lab partner from collage applied to for the same job and i got it over him, i am still in some what contact with him but our friend ship was never the same after that, infact at the interview and testing they made mention of him and what errors he made, i don't think they knew he was my lab partner though