The Gray Wall + Ceiling

Who Likes To Climb?

In a 2009 report from PricewaterhouseCoopers, 61% of chief executives say they have trouble recruiting and integrating younger employees.

Every generation has faced this particular problem.  Or so I’m told.  It sucks when it’s actually happening to you and this is the best advice anyone has to offer.

The new generation thinks it’s hot stuff.  The old generation has been hot stuff for years and years.  The two will never see eye to eye, and shrieks of “I was making money while you were still in diapers,” and “Turn your turn signal off, Gramps!” are heard echoing off the downtown skyscrapers.

The sad part is that if both the new and the old are looking at each other as adversaries rather than comrades, there will be problems.

First, the new generation will get squashed for a few years under the fearful and oppressive thumb of the older generation.  Over time, the newer generation will shove the older generation out as they become more and more obsolete by ignoring the very skills and benefits that the newer generation could have brought to the table.  Finally, as the newer generation becomes the older one, having failed to learn the patience and perseverance that the older generation could have taught, they will inevitably repeat the same mistake of their predecessors, and life goes on.

I go into depth on what the older generations can do to connect with Millennials in the For Employers section.  Millennials have this sort of awkward challenge ahead I like to call The Gray Wall/Ceiling.  You’ve got two options: start your own business, join a millennial’s business, or pay your dues and “service” the man until you climb to something better.

The Gray Wall is the Baby Boomers, Jonsers, and Gen-Xers who fear millennials and try to block the change they bring by using their social and corporate influence – these are the unscrupulous people who would prevent you from getting into the workplace, or from doing well by refusing your teamwork or by refusing to mentor you if given the opportunity. The Gray Ceiling is the same people at a higher level, keeping you from moving upward because of their fear and distrust.

Not every member of the Baby Boomers, Jonsers or Gen-Xers will feel this way – in fact, most don’t.  But, it’s important to understand that there are those people out there.

As Denny Crane said in my favorite show, Boston Legal, “There isn’t just one America. There’s at least two — maybe more. There’s your America where people are tolerant, progressive, open-minded about alternative lifestyles. Then there’s the other one. The one that thinks homosexuality is a disease. The one that elects presidents. There are more people than you think in that other America.”

In reality, we need the older generations to teach us the lessons that we would otherwise miss – important things like patience and history.  The wisdom of years of experience is something that you can’t just toss aside.  What Denny was saying about the difference between liberals and conservatives is doubly true about your age and anticipated maturity (or emotional intelligence) in the workplace.  The older you are, the more a part of the “good old boys” club you are – and the more palatable and employable you become.

I’ll Need A Ladder and a Jackhammer

Gaining trust just isn’t enough these days.

You have to be consistent in everything you promise to your employer.  Not just that, but you have to avoid any appearance of impropriety.  Our generation is under a special scrutiny, thanks to tools like Facebook, cell phones, and other things that might distract you from work.  I even know of a workplace where they have outlawed water coolers – because they are afraid that the workers will socialize too much!

Are you kidding?  Like a little stress relief or some collaboration over -water- is going to bring down the company?

On the other hand, there’s a saying that I found particularly useful.   Dance with the one who brought ya.  It speaks to loyalty.

It’s so very easy for millennials to find a new job – our college-fresh skills are almost always in-demand, we’re sociable, personable, plugged-in, and people like us.  But we’ve also held an average of 9 jobs.  It’s something that makes employers very nervous – why should they risk their hard-earned money on someone who is likely to bail after a month?  Why should they hire you, even if you look really good on paper?  Worse yet, it stands to reason that if others in our generation aren’t pulling their weight that we’re taking on the burden of those failed expectations.

It all comes down to loyalty.  If you are loyal, you won’t take off after a month.  If you’re loyal, you won’t screw around on Facebook when you should be working.  You’ll use Facebook to bring in your wonderfully talented friends into the company.  If you’re loyal, you will keep your promises to your employer.  More often than not, if you’re loyal, your loyalty will be rewarded.  But sometimes it isn’t.

Discrimination is never right – but we live in a world where we can do something about it.  Blog, Tweet, Facebook it – tell your friends when crappy companies stomp you.  And don’t be afraid to call your friends out if they’re not pulling their own weight, too.  If your employer treats you poorly, confront them about it – or find a better place to work.

Did you get what I was saying?  It’s kind of heavy: call out your friends if they’re slacking.  They’re ruining your reputation.  Have the courage to stand up to them.  Also, have the courage to stand up to your employers if they’re treating you badly because of your age or any other factor you think is unfair.  More often than not, yes, this may get you fired – but there’s absolutely no time in life to spend under the thumb of a tyrannical bosshole.

It’s our world to inherit, let’s make it the best one we can with the best people we can.  Let’s fix that other America.