Sunday, May 24, 2009
Week 8: The workplace of the future
Read the article titled, “When Gen X Runs the Show,” at http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1898024_1898023_1898086,00.html What is your reaction? What special skill do you have (or need to develop) that will help you in the workplace described in the article?
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7 comments:
I was fascinated with the way that the article stated that the people who will be in their 60’s and 70’s, about 40% of the workforce now will be able to rent out their skills. This is my generation that they are referring to here. So in 10 years from now, I would be able to rent out any skills that I have to someone else, on a part time basis if I choose to. My youngest son would like the way that the Generation Y was thinking with the fact that they wouldn’t want to follow in my footsteps. I mean with the way that our generation focuses on getting that big promotion some day, or when am I going to get that big raise that I really do desire to have. Even though it might seem like making these changes could end up taking on a very dramatic effect, change is sometimes a very important move to make. I would be very proud if my son was one of those people in his generation who had the guts enough to stand up and make a change for the better. People tend to let themselves get all caught up in certain paradigms and then change never happens. Everything always stays the way old way for years and years until someone decides that this is the time that we need to make a big change in the way that things are done. This is just as true in the workplace as it is anywhere else. This is what the word collaborate really means, to work with each other. When you have a generation that is not afraid to work with other people and understand that even though they are different in many ways, they still are able to focus on what is really important in the business world. I’m glad that the next generations are not so hung up on certain issues. When each generation makes a small change in the way that they think about things, then a better world is going to be there someday for generations down the road. I am one of those players who is always contributing more than 100% every day, but I am never the one who is the one that is chosen to be the leader of the team.
I think that the article did a good job of explaining about how job demands and expectaions are changing. With the way the job market is now, you have to adapt to so many different things in the workplace. One has to be able to have an open mind and get along with other cultures. Diversity plays a huge role in many types of jobs these days an one has to understand what it takes to meet their expectations. I liked how the article explained how much things have changed over the past few decades, and even over the last few years when it comes to getting and maintaining a job.
I found the article very intriguing and the type of company I want to work for. I want to be in a company that it doesn’t take years to move up the ladder, I would much rather jump a few rungs. I certainly do not plan to follow in the footsteps of my parents, working long hours for years hoping for a promotion.
A skills to have in the new workplace is the ability to get along with others especially those of different cultures and beliefs. Being organized and flexible will also be important as well as being goal oriented. I believe I have these skills but need to continue to perfect them. I am willing to learn so that when Gen Y runs the show I can shine.
The way that the demands in the workforce are changing is pretty cool. I also found it interesting that 40% of people from 60 to 70 will still be there to "rent" out their skills. I am sure that none of my childern would think of it as "cool" to follow in my footsteps. But I could see how they would find it intersting the way the gen y's think in the workforce. I like how the article tells how things have changed over the times.
The article was very informative. I agree with much of what it said about our generation wanting everything now, rather the older generation being patient and working for it. For most of our generation, following in our parents footsteps is the thing we want the least. Although, we expect the same outcome, as far as wealth, with much less effort and thought. Our culture and its demands are constantly changing, therefore we need to adapt to those changes in any way that is necessary.
My reaction to this is, not too sure. I would say that being right on the coups of the y and x its going to be tough. I have some of the same out looks as both sides. So in part maybe I will do just fine.
As far as skills I do not believe that I will need new ones, but I may need to be more open-minded looking into the future. Having the ability to listen and understand someone’s point of view that maybe much younger then I.
I agree with this article. As the years go on and on, the work force will see a new generation, and will start seeing a whole lot of changes going on. Being knowledgeable about different cultures, and getting along with different backgrounds is something that people will have to be more educated on. Communication skills will be needed because more and more companies deal with different cultures and different countries. And by having that experience, and skills, you will be more valuable to the company. Times are changing, and different generations are stepping in to change the workplace, along with the way we communicate with other cultures and ethnic groups around the world.
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