“We don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are.” – Anais Nin (emphasis added).

Is it just coincidence that this latest generation, sometimes referred to as the ‘Internet Generation’, is identified by the same letter of the alphabet as the first letter of Facebook CEO and founder Mark Zuckerberg’s last name?  It probably is, but what an incredible example of fortuitous providence.

To be honest, I have not heard much about Generation Z up to this point, even though I have two children who would be considered within that generation.  But as fate would have it, I was compelled to learn more about it for a recent graduate class.  In examining this generation a bit more closely, and considering the two of my own children who are living examples (at least by chronology’s definition) of it, I’m not sure I completely agree with the theory that they only seem to care about themselves…although I certainly see tendencies in that direction!  However, I can also say that while many in this current generation may appear at first brush to be more self-centered than some other generations, the previous generation could be similarly described.  In fact, I expect people could ascribe this trait to most any generation.  Let’s be real here…didn’t your parents call your music choices into question with statements like “How do you even know what they’re saying?”; “You don’t have to play real music that loud to enjoy it.”; or “Don’t play that record backwards or you’ll hear Satan talking.”  Note: Generations Y and Z may well be confused by the term ‘record’ or simply the mind-blowing concept of playing any sort of music backwards.

Nonetheless, it would be a stretch and perhaps an unfair generalization to label an entire generation as only caring about themselves.  Like most anything else, I think it’s preferable to look at individual characteristics rather than generalizing a group based upon stereotypical factors or other biases.  Consider that one doctor who abuses his patients doesn’t signify that all doctors are perverts.  And one police officer who is a heavy-handed control freak doesn’t mean all police officers are racists or are looking for an opportunity to push someone around.  In the same way, not all those in Generation Z should be viewed as self-centered neophytes who believe they are the center of the universe.

So are there leadership implications?  For those who do lean in the direction of what’s in it for me (WIIFM), the effect on group performance can be significant.  When a group, team, or work unit is formed for the purpose of carrying out some function for an individual or organization, the mission or goal(s) for which the group was formed must come first.  When individual needs or desires within a group overshadow the group or organization’s objectives, the group is no longer functioning cohesively or collaboratively because that individual in engaged in self-interest roles within the group.  At that point the group dynamic has greater potential to become dysfunctional and should be corrected by either refocusing that individual or removing him/her from the group to bring harmony and proper focus back to the group.  This is true of any individual causing dysfunction or disharmony in the group – regardless of generation.

But refocusing an individual who is primarily concerned about their own interests is not likely to be an easy task.  I know…I speak from experience with both sides of that double-edged sword.  All people, regardless of their personality or disposition, have developed traits or characteristics through years of experience, observation, and perhaps some level of inherited predisposition.  Generation Z individuals are no different.  In fact, while I don’t personally have the empirical evidence to prove it, I expect that at least part of what led to some in this generation to over inflate their self-importance can be tied back to the pace of advancing technology…that technology creating greater independence and increased solitude resulting from that independence.  Loneliness in a crowd.  I also feel that society, in general, has become less tolerant and more selfish, with a very vocal – albeit relatively small percentage of the population promulgating an ‘it’s always someone else’s fault’ world view.  And that vocal minority is influential.  And that influence is powerful, fueled by polarizing political viewpoints and constant information overload via social media and 24 hour news channels.  With an impossible volume of information, not all of which is reliable or properly vetted, how could people of any generation not be swayed one way or the other?

I personally believe many in this fast-paced, information saturated generation have never had anyone take the time to slow them down, spend quality time with them, mentor them, or show them what it means to put others’ needs ahead of their own for the greater good of society.  And I believe all of this, or at the very least a combination of many of these factors, is what has inculcated within them the message that it is ‘all about them’.  Because, quite frankly, much of the last 18-20 years HAS been all about them.

Get Strong.  Be Strong.  Stay Strong.