"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." ~ Mahatma Gandhi
Today, we live in a world where generations are increasingly divided by gross generalizations, assumptions, and misunderstanding. "Baby Boomers, this.." "Gen Z that.." In the past, the idealist in me liked to think that perhaps these conversations about the "other" was an attempt at understanding view points and ways of thinking that were not exactly second nature to the individual. However, lately the undertones of division in these conversations ring louder than the words themselves.
As a 40-something Geriatric Millennial (who coined this term anyway, ha?!) and parent to Gen. Z and Gen. Alpha, I have grown weary of the name calling and Doomsday references to the rising generations. Where has our perspective gone as we "grow into wisdom?" Do we not owe Gen. Z and Gen. Alpha a baton of hope and opportunity worth passing along?
Generation Z (individuals born between 1997 and 2012) is also known as Gen. Z, iGeneration, and Zoomers. Individuals in this generation are currently 12 to 27 years old (middle school-young professionals). I propose that Gen. Z is grossly misunderstood. Soon enough, they will take the reins of our culture, families, and work places.
If we are going to invest in the future, we cannot miss sowing into this generation.
Fostering Understanding.
Finding commonalities.
Bridging differences.
Engaging in service.
Gen. Z (1997-2012) 12 to 27 years old. New century. Connected to the internet & technology. Ethnically & racially diverse
According to research by Roberta Katz, a senior research scholar at Stanford’s Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences (CASBS), the Stanford Report,
Based on your research, can you briefly describe the typical Gen Zer?
In summary, a typical Gen Zer is a self-driver who deeply cares about others, strives for a diverse community, is highly collaborative and social, values flexibility, relevance, authenticity and non-hierarchical leadership, and, while dismayed about inherited issues like climate change, has a pragmatic attitude about the work that has to be done to address those issues.
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." ~ Mahatma Gandhi
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