Gen-Y sings "We're all in this together!"
June 30, 2008
My 9 year old son Joseph introduced me to Disney's upbeat movie "High School Musical".
Below is a video clip of a hit song from the movie. It's entitled "We're All In This Together". It's a fantastic song that totally communicates the world view of Gen-Y.
Some of the lyrics:
Together, together, together everyone
Together, together, come on lets have some fun
Together, were there for each other every time
Together together come on lets do this rightHere and now its time for celebration
I finally figured it out (yeah yeah)
That all our dreams have no limitations
That's what its all aboutEveryone is special in their own way
We make each other strong (each other strong)
Were not the same
Were different in a good way
Together's where we belongWe're all in this together
Once we know
That we are
We're all stars
And we see that
We're all in this together
And it shows
When we stand
Hand in hand
Make our dreams come true
If you're a manager and you supervise Gen-Y employees (team members) you're going to have to learn new skills to lead this generation. A "traditional" command and control style of leadership is a total turn-off to this generation.
The way to effectively manage Gen-Y is to learn coaching skills. You must become a "Coach Leader" and you can learn how in the IATF Leader As Coach Fast Track Program.
Tom,
I feel that this HS musical and this song only propogate the stereotype that many Boomers have of Gen-Y. We all think we are special stars who deserve rewards and non-stop praise.
How is this video supposed to have boomers change their views of Gen-Y.
I agree with what you say with the command and control and much of your Gen-Y Philosophy (I am a huge fan of yours) althoguh HS musical - come on this is an embarresment for Gen-Y!
Posted by: michael cardus | June 30, 2008 at 04:27 PM
Hi Mike -- Are you sure High School Musical an embarrassment to Gen-Y? From what I read Gen-Y LOVE this musical. It does unnerve Boomers and Xers because they don't understand this generation. Tom
Posted by: Tom Heck | July 01, 2008 at 06:59 PM
Tom,
Perhaps my gen x on the cusp of gen y spoke too soon. You are correct many Gen-Y love HS Musical.
I was speaking from a personal point of view. The one line "we are all stars" makes me cringe. I agree that everyone has something to offer. And - i feel that this creates an entitlement sense that - "I am special and they did not see it" while lacking training, experience, and requisite knowledge. I work with many gen Y students and organizations that employ gen-Y team members. This un-nerving comes from the current paradigm shift we are in - from information age to knowledge worker age -this rapid rate of change is un-nerving to the paradigms "maps" that were created in the 40's and 50's. Gen-Y see different maps and are rounding the edges of understanding. Much in the way that the world was once flat - Gen-Y sees the world as endless possibilities of roundness - with no square pegs.
Posted by: michael cardus | July 02, 2008 at 07:14 PM