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This is an Anti-Millennial Blog

September 25, 20176 min read

SDI Clarity Insight — This article is part of our Knowledge Base, drawing on 20+ years of organizational design and talent development expertise. Explore our Leadership Development and Talent Consulting services.

While the title was designed to grab attention, readers may find themselves disappointed by what follows. I invite readers seeking an alternative perspective on the ongoing "millennial conversation" to continue reading.

I'm admittedly a content junkie with appreciation for substantive topics. After years of consuming content suggesting millennials threaten civilization, I felt compelled to offer my perspective as someone approaching 41 years old.

Categorizing generations based on arbitrary time periods is "frankly, absurd." Humans evolve and adapt to their environments. Every generation - from "The Greatest Generation" through Gen X to Millennials - has faced criticism from predecessors. I express gratitude for continuous innovation, though acknowledging I don't always agree with implementation methods.

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I observe daily examples of both young and old people lacking ambition and drive, alongside equally passionate individuals of all ages pursuing meaningful goals. I reject the notion that birth year determines these traits, attributing them instead to environmental upbringing and individual drive toward personal success.

I benefit from working with "so called 'Millennials'" daily, noting genuine differences in viewpoints, goals, and approaches. Rather than declaring one perspective superior, I emphasize finding collaborative ways to contribute toward shared objectives.

I challenge the stereotype that Millennials possess superior technological skill. Growing up with more available technology doesn't automatically confer expertise - just as owning an Atari 2600 didn't make me an office software expert. True tech savviness depends on individual passion and exploration, not generational membership. I know "tech savvy" people spanning from teenagers to those in their sixties.

I question why workplace preference changes seem novel. Work remains work, with individual tolerance for traditional approaches varying. Workplace evolution has occurred throughout history, benefiting current workers through predecessors' struggles for safer, healthier, more productive conditions.

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I could highlight numerous stereotypes applied to Millennials mirroring criticisms faced by all previous generations. My core message: WE NEED TO QUIT DOING IT.

I acknowledge personal guilt in judging superficially, realizing through experience that such judgments are counterproductive. Every interaction offers learning opportunities. Avoid saying "typical millennial." Meaningful engagement with thoughtful, talented, well-intentioned individuals yields positive outcomes regardless of generational labels.

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