When I talk with community and business people about challenges they’re facing with today’s workforce, I frequently share one of the most relevant books I’ve read addressing this topic.
The Trophy Kids Grow Up: How the Millennial Generation is Shaking up the Workplace. Author Ron Alsop traces this phenomenon and how parenting the Millennial Generation has impacted Fortune 500 companies.
The Millennial Generation
If you work with young people who were born between 1980 and 2001, information about the Millennial Generation (also called Generation Y and Generation Next) explains about this new kind of student, worker, and global citizen.
These children received “trophies” or rewards for most everything they’ve ever done. Now they’re entering the workforce demanding “rewards” for completing standard job responsibilities.
Fortune 500 Companies
The “helicopter parent” provides the foundation for Alsop’s observations. Their children are showing up with college degrees at Fortune 500 Companies and bringing their parents with them for interviews and salary negotiations. You’ve probably heard of “Take Your Daughter to Work,” but he addresses “Take Your Parents to Work” and the challenges this is creating for corporate America.
Stirring Up the Workplace
This eleven chapter, 262 page book, addresses the millennial generation’s tendencies, how the millennials and employers will adapt to one another, and organizations who are taking the lead in effectively working with this generation and their parents.
The book cover states, “The Trophy Kids Grow Up will show employers, parents, and millennials themselves how this remarkable generation promises to stir up the workplace–and perhaps the world.”
Book Information
The Trophy Kids Grow Up: How the Millennial Generation is Shaking up the Workplace, Ron Alsop, Jossey-Bass, 2008. Available from Amazon.com. Hardcover $19.16, Kindle $13.00, audible $9.95 (9/18/2015).