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By Fabiana Gabrielli e Bianca Ferreira
Lots of people talk about Generation Y’s superficiality. Researchers find that it takes Gen Y more written pages, to say less, compared to past generations. Also, it’s often stated that the time they spend on the web, robs them of a dedicated attitude to deeper issues.
They are supposedly self-centered. Egocentric. They only think about their own personal success. Yet, the experience I just lived in the past week actually says the exact opposite. Thankfully.
I was lecturing for University students, at USP, and was really impressed with the way these students seem to counter every stereotype about Generation Y. About 80 students were sitting there, excited to hear about management and leadership.
From the large amount of interaction and discussion, it was possible to see, just how hungry these students are to learn. I noticed a high intellectual level, and a strong desire for personal development.
These young students, who were around 20 years old, talked about the Kyoto protocol, macroeconomics, and touched on rather deep questions, with much ease, as if they were simply adding something to their Facebook profile.
They weren’t just Business or Economics students either. One student talked about the history of Cuba and Panama. I think everyone was curious to know his major. We asked, “Are you majoring in History?” He replied, “No, I’m Pre-Med.”
Regardless of their area of study, these young students showed diverse knowledge, that’s much broader than we often imagine. I think we have to work on stimulating this. I was extremely happy after the lecture. After all, Generation Y will be leading and representing us in the future.
As HR professionals, we left the lecture, wanting to “know more.” We wanted to be closer to them. The language we speak isn’t always the same. But being part of Generation X myself, you get the feeling that it would be extremely enriching for all of us, if we made an effort to get closer. Clearly, we’d be able to dig into more of the valuable knowledge they have to offer.
Bia Gabrielli is a director of Grupo Foco and Bianca Ferreira is a consultant of Grupo Foco
