Why is an Abundance Mindset a Must?

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What it’s About: A very authentic millennial blurted out a feeling of frustration about Gen Z at a program I was recently facilitating... To paraphrase, “sometimes I feel ticked off that Gen Z kids have their pick of employment opportunities in this period of talent shortage. When many of us Millennials graduated, we were just happy to find a job. I sometimes wish they knew what that scary feeling of having little or no choice was like.” I heard a similar comment from Gen Ys and boomers who wished that Millennials had to put in time like they did prior to getting perks. “Why do these Millennials have a right to three weeks vacation out of the blocks? I had to work for 10 years before I earned a three week vacation.” Or, “why do these Millennials think they get to have an opinion walking in the door? It took four years of keeping my mouth shut before anyone asked me for my opinion.” And so on, from generation to generation.

So What?: The current work environment and fight for talent does not allow the selfish luxury of scarcity thinking. The idea of people waiting in some seniority line in order to reach the work environment and benefits that they expect is not sensible… If it ever was.

A new Randstad study surveyed 35,000 workers across 34 markets. This is a summary of the findings: “The study showed that Gen Z and millennials were changing the power dynamic in the workplace.The research found that 32% of Gen Z and 28% of millennials said they were job searching. Traditionally, employers have had more power over employees in the workplace, but that dynamic has shifted… Two in four members of younger generations would prefer being unemployed to being stuck in a job they didn't like.”

Now What?: The idea that leaders can meter out the job goodies to the younger crowd based on the “they have to wait their turn” philosophy, is like telling a star athlete that they have to finish their four year college program before the big payout of professional sports. It’s just not the way it works. Unless some form of labor agreement specifies otherwise, top talent is going to get what they want. Thank goodness both Millennials and Z’s are driven by more than money. It is not unreasonable that a 21-year-old makes the same total comp than a 50-year-old doing the same job. And the mindset of the 50-year-old ideally is one of abundance, not grumpy scarcity. And what the eldar brings in experience and maturity, the Gen Z kid can contribute equal value in the form of digital fluency and the latest technical prowess. Gen Z also needs to be abundant in coaching their email bound seniors in how to navigate TikTok, Twitch and multiple newer platforms that oldies have never heard of. It is not acceptable to have a scarcity mindset that essentially spews out impatient disdain, “that old fool just doesn’t get it.”

The current workplace must have people from every generation who are abundant in all ways. The more we generously give of ourselves, and receive from others, the better off we’ll all be. Can we collaborate, expand and grow, versus negatively competing and taking. Be abundant!

Think Big, Start Small, Act Now,

- Lorne

One Millennial View: Remember how our grandparents had to walk miles to school, uphill both ways? Forever, younger people have had an easier life experience than their predecessors. It’s FUN and satisfying for older people to rub that in. However, when it becomes measurable in things like work perks and vacation days (perhaps precious time that the elders could have spent with family, friends, etc.), you can understand how people feel robbed. So now Gen Z gets the luxury of choosing careers they actually want, and contributing to causes they care for. That’s how it is. Great. In return for this, Gen Z should also be encouraged by leaders to show some grace and appreciation for what they’ll be given. Let’s be abundant, but that doesn’t mean those little ungrateful snots can act entitled. You’re welcome, Gen Z, but understand the journey of those who paved the path for you.

- Garrett

Edited and published by Garrett Rubis

Why is an Abundance Mindset a Must?

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