Revolution Coaching

The Perfect Economic Storm for Gen Y

The results are in! This is now the worst economic downturn we’ve had since 1929.

While some are wringing their hands in financial pain, others of us are rejoicing. Why? Because this is the perfect storm, it was as predictable as the next sunrise and it’s right on time.

Strauss & Howe wrote a break through book “Generations” in which they identified four different generational types: Civics, Adaptives, Idealists, & Reactives. Gen Y (Currently about 7-27 years old) are this cycle’s Civics. Civic generations, according the S&H are the foundation layers of a new world. The last lot of Civics are currently 85+. They were the nation-builders that gave us the institutional framework of the Western society we have lived in and benefited from since the late late 30′s.

Not surprisingly each cycle runs it’s course, which includes a boom/crash cycle of varying degrees as each generation take over the reigns and does its thing. But Civics need a particular kind of experience in order to step up. Rewind back to 1920. The Roaring 20′s were a time of great economic success and progress. Times were great. And the then Civic generation were in their late teens. As the leading Civics entered their early adulthood, the Great Depression of 1929 hit home. Actually, home became a difficult acquisition. many were homeless. It was on the streets of despair that this new generation of young adults learnt the skills of foundation-laying. Out of their pain they imagined a new world and began putting in the institutional framework. Those young leaders are now 85+ and seeing history repeat itself.

Another generation came along (The present “Silent generation” aged 65-85) and seeing the potential harshness of the institutional structure, did their Adaptive thing and gave it flesh. They built community and softened these new structures with great values. they were also strong on loyalty. It was the strength the new structures needed to stand, and serve a new world.

Next came the Boomers. According to S&H their generational type is that of Idealist. They saw this newly completed structure with its comfy feel and went right on it and had a huge party. They lived the dream their forebears could only imagine. With a great sense of security they lived life fully, without any regard for the consequences. It’s been a great time.

A new generation arose (Gen X, S&K’s Reactives) who have seen the consequences of the Boomer’s party and are shocked. The cost has been too high economically, socially and environmentally. In the eyes of Gen X the Boomer dream has been a disaster. The consequences need to be addressed and fast. This is one reason why Gen X is essential a “Green generation”. However, their motives are based in deficit. They see the damage and want to fix it. As opposed to Gen Y who’s motivation is from a positive base. They have a new world to build.

So, at last Gen Y are on the scene. What are they like? Statistically they have the highest rates of mental illness, drug use, binge drinking, risk taking behaviour, and until recently suicide, that we have seen in any present generation. Their primary agenda has been to make it to the top of the company in three years or less, and have fun while they can. They have limited long-range planning skills. Why id their view of the world so short? It’s not hard to figure out. Every day they are bombarded with media reports of how the world is quickly turning toxic or melting. For Gen Y, the message they constantly receive is that there may not be much of a world to inherit.

BUT – Gen Y do have emerging leaders. These individuals are a bit different from their Gen Y cohort. They do see further ahead. They have a sense of optimism and can-do attitude. They know there are greater things than having the latest iPhone. The economic downturn is right on time for these Gen Y Leaders so feel real pain, and respond with real vision.

Whilst the last generation of Civics were nation-builders, this generation will be World-builders. The signs are already there. The world’s politicians are working out a new set of rules for a global economy. The old nation-based noes don’t work in a global village. We’re getting hints that Gen Y are the new Wowsers. Social commentator Bernard Salt recently wrote in the Herald-Sun about Gen Y’s harsh judgement on the decade of excess. They are demonstrating an awareness of environmental care that has future generations in mind. Salt says,”There is a sense that we are being called to account for the sins of our past: debt, pollution, greed.” And there’s a clear readiness to see all of this in a spiritual context. Meaning of life and God conversations often go together. Gen Y is showing a real openness to the God experience and for it to influence their world-making decisions.

These trends are becoming the first signs of the kind of future Gen Y will lay for the generations that follow them into a new world.

What’s needed now is the same as what was needed in 1929 – people who will work with, and build up those emerging leaders in the Gen Y cohort. The senior members of Gen Y are about 27. You’ll see them hitting the executive ranks of the corporate sector. Some are stepping out into their won businesses. Some have already done their stint in the back streets of Bangladesh and are home ready to call us to a new frugality.

Younger ones are just out of secondary school and ready to change the world. They may not be too clear about what sort of world yet, but they now what it will take – Them!

I spoke to one such young leader recently. She is a world changer. She works in the corporate sector for now. But she and her husband have grander dreams. For now it only has dollar figures attached but they know the detail will come when it’s ready, and they will make an impact.

Revolution Coaching is all about working with these emerging leaders and ensuring that the environment is the best it can be for them to thrive and do a brilliant job of being foundation-layers for a new world.

Principal Coach, Rev. Steve Terrell has described his personal goal as “Having world changing conversation with Gen Y Leaders. Together we will create a world where every person can live life to the full.”

If you’re an emerging Gen Y leader, I’d love to hear from you. Or, if you’re in leadership of Gen Y’s, I’d also love to hear from you about how we can together create great space for Gen Y to excel in creating a new world.

If you want to be part of a world changing conversation, get in touch now! Steve Terrell can be contacted by phone +61 3 8521 3925 or steve@revolutioncoaching.com.au

The time to be part of a global change is now.

Tags: corporate leadership development, economic crisis, emerging leadership, gen y, great depression