Gen Y Observations of Olympic Proportions: Are Your Young Employees Going for the Gold?

“Hello.  My name is Eric Chester, and I’m an Olympaholic.” 

I admit it, I am an addict.  I just can’t get enough of the summer games in Beijing.  I’m up all hours of the night watching, cheering, and screaming at my flat screen.  I’ve spent hours online monitoring the results as they happen.  I start conversations about the Olympics with everyone I come into contact with; even gas station attendants and telemarketers.  But it’s more than just the sport that has me hooked this year; it’s the spectacle. 

Nothing showcases diversity more than the Olympics. Beyond the obvious ethnic diversity of the competitors, I am also fascinated by the diversity in ages.  Dara Torres (41) won her first Olympic medal before two-time Olympian and eight gold medal-winner Michael Phelps (23) was even born, and Phelps could be a grandfather to a couple of the ”women” gymnasts from China.  (Just kidding; he’s only old enough to be their father.)  And I’ve been obsessed with all the pageantry and behind-the-scenes drama taking place halfway around the globe.  So have our kids.  In fact, according to early reports, more teens and young adults are tuning into these Olympics than have done so in several decades.

All this has me asking the question:  Why?  What is the allure of these games that has captured the elusive attention of this restless generation and what lessons can business owners, operators, and managers glean about engaging young employees from the 25-and-under competitors and fans? 

I believe there are four very profound and important messages that have been revealed:

1. They love to compete - Despite being raised by baby-boomer parents who attempted to shield them from the heartbreak of losing by not keeping score at little-league games and by awarding the same color ribbons to all the kids on Field Day, the competitive fires still rage inside young hearts.  They want to win and they want to be the best, and they are willing to spend themselves and go all out for a chance to experience the thrill of victory, even if it means risking the agony of defeat.

Gold Medal Lesson – Competition breeds excellence. Unless they are working on a team project, avoid treating them all the same and rewarding/reprimanding them as a collective group. Instead, give credit and rewards only where they are earned and go all out to recognize winning performance in your organization.

2. Gen Why is global – There is far less of a difference in the cultures and behaviors of the young international competitors than ever before.  Geographic boundaries used to mean that the customs and protocols of competitors from far-away countries were noticeably different than those from Canada and the U.S.  But for Gen Why athletes, the walls have come down.  Young competitors from even the tiniest, most remote places now mimic the stars they see on TV, in the movies and online.  As 20-year-old Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt demonstrated after his dominant wins in the 100m and 200m races, they have rehearsed signature moves ready, talent agents on speed dial, and lucrative endorsement deals awaiting them at home. They seem to know each other before they meet on the field/pool/court/arena having connected online or by visiting each other’s profile on MySpace.  The ethnic makeup of an athlete provides a clue as to where they may call home, but their attitudes and world-view unify them under the banner of Generation Why.

Gold Medal Lesson – In a global society, every kid grows up everywhere. The strategies and techniques for motivating a Gen Why in Toledo can also motivate kids in Tokyo and Tuscany. The rules for engaging them have changed, and the changes are universal.

3. They want to belong. Patriotism is rampant at these games. Look at the Gen Whys draped in their nation’s colors, and not just on the field but also in the stands.  The NBA Superstars comprising the “Redeem Team” have made a point to attend the games of the USA woman’s basketball team, and have been in the stands for swimming competitions as well.  Every athlete feels that they a part of something more important and bigger than they are, and they strive to demonstrate unity and support for their countrymen.

Gold Medal Lesson – Gen Whys crave inclusion and acceptance. They will proudly wear your company uniform as long as they feel lucky to be there and your brand stands for something strong and proud.  They want to belong to a team of people who will back them up and support them through good times and bad.  Do all you can to embrace the “team” concept and promote the importance of sticking together. And don’t forget to celebrate team success!

4. They need a goal. The instant the race is over, the winner looks to the clock to see if they’ve broken a record.  It’s not enough to simply win the race; they want to know if their name will appear in the record books.  They’re racing for more than the gold, their racing for their place in history.  Television viewers can see the computer-generated world-record green line move across the screen illustrating the time to beat.  Before a single athlete got off their plane in Beijing, they knew where that green line was.  The goal was clear and they were laser-focused what they needed to do to win.

Gold Medal Lesson – Do your young contributors have clearly defined daily and weekly goals?  How do they achieve victory in their job today? What’s the record for the “best this” or the “fastest that” in your organization?  Just-as-important, how are the record-holders, sales leaders and performance superstars recognized or immortalized?  Do your young employees have something to shoot for and the training they need to help them break records for you?

Our spirits have been lifted by the personal stories of these young competitors and we’ve been inspired by the obstacles many have overcome and the amazing efforts they’ve put forth.  But we should also feel encouraged to know that record numbers of young spectators have also been watching and learning what it takes to compete and win at the highest levels, and that they, too, have been inspired to embrace those timeless Olympic ideals of hard work, dedication, and personal sacrifice. 

Call me optimistic, but I believe that the majority of our nation’s youth want to achieve greatness in their personal and professional lives, and they are willing to work hard and dedicate themselves to that end.  The Olympics have proven to them that they need coaching to help them to develop their attitudes and their skills in order to take advantage of the opportunities that await them.

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