Slashing the stereotypes

Amy Stankiewicz

“They always want more … They’re not grateful … You offer something up and it becomes an expectation. There’s a real sense of — well, an entitlement.”

That’s 50-something Penny, speaking to Sociologist Karen Foster a couple of years ago about younger-generation workers employed at a software company. Foster recently used this conversation as the opener to a University of Berkeley Greater Good blog (bit.ly/WRcV3Q) examining attitudinal differences between generations, as well as the possible rush to judgment to which older people succumb when it comes to describing their younger colleagues.

“In this rush to judgment, older people can overlook how changes to the economy and culture shaped the choices and attitudes of Generation Y— and indeed the whole world around them,” Foster writes. “Too often, young adults are judged for adapting to these negative conditions — which causes many of us to miss the hopes, ideals, and positive qualities that arise in the face of these challenges.”

This month’s Greenhouse Management examines the hopes and ideals of the younger generation currently growing up in the growing world. We set out to see if the stereotypes typically used to describe these 20-somethings are in fact true. Do these individuals really feel entitled in the workforce? Are they greedy? What really makes them tick as they make a name for themselves professionally?

In the world of horticulture — particularly in the world of growing — it appears that the negative stereotypes could not be more untrue. The motivation, ambition, and sense of community displayed by those Generation Y-ers we interviewed were truly eye-opening.

These younger growers are making the most of opportunity, and all stress their desire to give back to an industry that has helped them grow professionally. This is a heartening aspiration, and one that is polar opposite to the greediness many may attribute to this generation.

So it seems as though the growing world has nothing to worry about when it comes to the attitudes of this industry’s future leaders. That can mean everything to you greenhouse owners and managers who are mentoring Generation Y now, so read on to learn more about the power these young people can bring to your business.

Amy Stankiewicz | astankiewicz@gie.net
216-236-5960 | Twitter: @Greenhousemag