I would agree that we seem to have seen the end of negative feedback being a useful tool. Not only do children not want to want to hear that their performance wasn't perfect, but often parents don't want to hear that either. So, everyone gets a trophy; everyone makes the team. This is not the way the world works, however. Because of this, I have no qualms with providing negative feedback if I feel that it's merited. I give this feedback in a respectful manner, but I provide the truth. They may not be appreciative of it in the present, but it's something that will be valuable looking back. Sometimes the people we end up appreciating most, we did not at the time, unfortunately.
Agreed the most frustrating part of the Y generation is the sense of entitlement.
I agree! The "its all good" attitude ... I hadn't thought about it until now but the fact that there is rarely "trying out" for a team anymore... The new culture is to allow everyone on the team so not to hurt/offend anyone. Instead of the most recent days of 30 trying out and 20 making the team... It does make it hard in the classroom with the attitudes of entitlement.
Accountability is something I struggle with alot in the classroom with my students. Trying to teach Gen Y's this trait is tough..
Lisa,
this is an understandable frustration. Sadly many of these students have been told for so long that "it's all good" so no matter what they do we need to applaud it. However, we do need to help them realize that there are acceptable ways or ideas & some that aren't "bad" but they may not sell. Especially in your field, the customer gets to decide & we can be as creative as we want to be, but if there isn't a market, we don't make money.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
