Comments on: Andy Birol Slams Youth

By: CapitalistAcademician

CapitalistAcademician — Tue, 12 Apr 2005 00:27:00 +0000

Was it a slam? The things Andy cited are real examples of how anyone can mess up, not just the Youth of America…

I have two interns who work with me. Both are achievers - both are smart, articulate, strategic and fascinating. But both are still learning what it takes to be successful in business.

As a former bartender and restaurant manager, I know people can be jerks - but when the service is terrible, thoughtless, slow, indifferent, or surly, I’m not likely to leave a tip. (Okay, usually I’ll leave a small tip - they have to pay taxes on what the government thinks they got tipped!) Matter of fact, no matter where I get bad service, I’m unlikely to be happy about it. That lack of happiness isn’t an attack on youth, it’s lack of happiness.

Sage’s comment about methods of training bears a mention. The browbeating method is on the way out for just one reason: It doesn’t work. Even at the old-world manufacturing company where I work, even at the plants, it’s all about helping people learn their jobs. That said, they are held accountable for performance of their duties, and meeting the goals safely is paramount. You don’t get extra credit for trying hard, you only get it for succeeding.

Finally, a smart woman once told me to stop whining and get back to work - and that’s real advice…

By: Sage

Sage — Mon, 11 Apr 2005 15:41:00 +0000

Interesting dialogue.

I’m not saying that I adhere to the middle school mentality that everything you need to know, you’ve got the day you walk out of college. I would imagine very few younger people would suggest that either.

What I am saying is that there are a myriad of ways to guide and train people. The way that has been accepted since the industrial revolution is to scold, yell and demoralize. The reason why that won’t work anymore is because the business landscape is different than it ever was. Hierarchy is disappearing and the younger generations know that. They don’t owe anything to anybody. They can work for the guy down the street, for the guy in San Jose, for the guy in Canada, for the guy in Beijing, or screw everybody and work for themselves. THEY DON’T NEED YOU!

So, if you want to work with generations outside of your own, you must treat them with dignity and respect… something every single human being deserves. Guide them from the vantage point of peer to peer, instead of adult to child.

This mental shift is going to make the American business world stronger than it ever has been. But it takes courage from everyone above the age of 35 to do it. Trust trust trust. It will come back to you in ways you never imagined.

Brewed Fresh Daily Review. Thanks George. And thanks to all of you who stopped by because of Brewed Fresh.

By: John

John — Fri, 08 Apr 2005 21:10:00 +0000

The selection of Andy, whom I’ve known and rather gotten a kick out of for some years, as a columnist for CC has left plenty of people kind of scratching their heads. To say it seems an odd choice is an understatement. Andy has a well-honed schtick, and it’s quite effective. But it’s still a schtick, and more pure high-concept branding than anything. As Andy would say, it’s all about “shameless self-promotion,” and good for him for being successful at that. But let’s not treat this as if it’s quantum physics, cause it’s surely not.
John Ettorre

By: Mitch

Mitch — Fri, 08 Apr 2005 18:51:00 +0000

I think you are missing Andy’s point. The fact is, the younger set must understand the boundaries of the systems within which they work. AND, if they wish to change the rules of engagement, they will need to work their way through the system to get to a position of authority sufficient to affect change.

Business won’t change because one stamps their feet. Business won’t change from the inside unless you are inside to begin with.

Or, better yet, one can go out, start their own business their way and see how it goes.

By: tadvent

tadvent — Fri, 08 Apr 2005 17:24:00 +0000

Sage,
I work in the IT Consulting Industry. Every day I talk to “young guns” who think they have the ability to be the CIO of any company because of a degree and some technical knowledge. Most of them are very talanted, but lack experience. More specifically practical daily business experience.

I love the energy of the young, and they are great employee’s when they are put in the right spots.

Our future is going to be built on their backs, it is our responsibility to make sure they have the knowlege to bear the load.

By: steveg

steveg — Fri, 08 Apr 2005 15:00:00 +0000

Sage,
Love your response. When I read Birol’s “vitrol” I was so pissed that the only words I could think of was “F U, D-bag.” Not one of my more eloquent moments. It is my view that Birol is part of the old school, loves to pontificate, and doesn’t actually dialogue, but patronize. His recommendations sound fine, but walking the talk or creating the conditions for others to walk is the key. Without the commitment and action, it just becomes the same old crap wrapped up in the latest pretty jargon. BHU,indeed.

By: Sage

Sage — Mon, 04 Apr 2005 16:30:00 +0000

Thanks for reading Andy.

I wanted to keep the link to the cool cleveland article.

“Highest and Best Use” at the expense of their dignity is something these younger generations simply are not going to stand for.

Sage

By: Andy Birol

Andy Birol — Mon, 04 Apr 2005 13:18:00 +0000

Sage, I mistakenly referred to you as Shane. My bad. My apologies.

Regards,

Andy Birol abirol@andybirol.com

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 04 Apr 2005 06:55:00 +0000

Shane,

The correct link to my article is http://www.andybirol.com/article_read.asp?id=363. I hope your reaction to my effort to encourage our younger peers pushes every reader to reach his or her Best and Highest Use.

Regards,

Andy Birol abirol@andybirol.com