In a video titled “Working with Millennials can be a challenge. Here’s why…” author, speaker and consultant Simon Sinek addresses the ultimate millennial question: Why are they so unhappy?
The 15 minute clip, which has been viewed on Facebook almost 53 million times and has more than three million views on YouTube, explores the four reasons the generation classified as “entitled, narcissistic, self interested, unfocused and lazy” are so overwhelmingly unsatisfied.
Sinek’s theory is as follows:
1. Parenting
Millennials, the generation that reached young adulthood in the early 2000s, grew up subjected to what research has classified “failed parenting strategies”.
“They were told they were special,” Sinek says. “That they could have anything they wanted in life.”
Millennials grew up with participation medals, which devalues the achievements of those who worked hard and won.
When they finish school they discover; "they're not special, their mums can't get them a promotion, you get nothing for coming in last and you can't get it just because you want it."
Simply, their entire self image is shattered.
As a result, we have "an entire generation that is growing up with lower self esteem than previous generations".
2. Technology
Compounding the failed parenting strategies is, of course, technology.
Millennials have grown up alongside Facebook and Instagram. We've learned to put "filters" on things and are particularly good at "showing people that life is amazing even though I'm depressed".
The nature of social media is such that we all sound tough and as though we've got it all figured out.
Top Comments
"Participation medals" and helicopter parents are the problem. Not everyone can win, it's a fact of life. Some people are good at sport, some are good at music, art or academically great, or all of the above. Most people have a strength in some area. You just have to look at people auditioning for The Voice or XFactor and see the look of horror on their face when they are told they can't sing. All because their parents have told them how wonderful they are and how great they are at singing so as not to hurt their feelings.
Additionally, it devalues effort. Students are far less willing to put in effort now that they live in a world where they'll still matriculate into the next grade, still be handed a school graduation certificate, etc.