What started out as a good idea has morphed into a monster, as competition has been neutered to ensure that self-esteem survives.
As early as T-ball, children are rewarded at the end of the season with trophies for everyone.
Though I understand the desire to build up self-esteem in the young, teaching them that any effort is rewarded – rather than expected – is doing more harm than good. It is demonstrating that self-esteem is the highest of all virtues and that anything or anyone that dares challenge the “right” to high self-esteem is doing us all an injustice. This notion that the world should somehow always adjust itself to keep us in our comfort zones, riding high and feeling good regardless of behavior, work ethic or character has made its way from the ball fields and classrooms to the work force.
Self-esteem and successSelf-esteem is not – and was never intended to be – a solid foundation.
There is a fundamental difference between self-esteem and self-worth, and we’ve confused the two.
Self-worth is the intrinsic worth of the individual, regardless of their abilities, accomplishments, background or upbringing. Self-esteem, however, is earned. It is the byproduct of accomplishment, achievement and effort.
We must distinguish between the two early to avoid raising a generation that doesn’t know effort is often required in the workplace even when it isn’t rewarded.
Our measurement of success is skewed. Success is not a dollar amount or title on the door.
Success is refusing to quit until a problem is resolved.
It is the patience and perseverance to see a matter through, to work in a difficult situation and to do what needs to be done when it needs to be done. Success is not making excuses for behavior, lack of motivation or poor upbringing. Success is the recognition that the world does not owe you a living and that your own comfort cannot be your No.1 concern.
As a result of a culture that makes everyone a winner, many people have adopted a work ethic of minimum effort for maximum gain. Some become trapped by a mindset of entitlement, unable to see beyond obstacles or to work for anything other than instant gratification.
When entitlement’s at workIt’s important for employers to keep in mind that many employees or potential hires may have mindsets of entitlement.
They may even be unaware that this exists, or that it erodes their chances of professional success.
This does not mean, however, that people who are engrained with this thinking cannot become successful employees.
In order to increase employee retention and productivity, consider implementing these procedures:
• Make absolutely clear the expectations of the position. Go beyond job duties and responsibilities and describe character traits.
If possible, hire for character and train for skill.
Create a work environment built on principles and character qualities, and in the end, it will be easier to achieve profitability.
• Be sure each manager, owner and partner leads by example.
Effective leaders cannot demand what they do not demonstrate or require from others what they don’t expect from themselves.
• Don’t remove rewards for success altogether, and don’t remove the consequences of failure, without exception. Refuse to hear excuses for poor performance.
Accept only personal accountability and increased responsibility.
Young children often must be reminded to say, “Thank you.” At a young age, when so much is being done for them, they focus only on what needs are not being met.
The problem with general recognition is the inability for direct application, because if you can’t articulate what you’ve achieved – or what you’ve learned – you can’t apply that knowledge at the next opportunity in your employment journey.
Effectively dealing with the entitlement mindset – at any age – is to redirect focus, review mistakes and recognize opportunities to apply solid principles and lessons learned.
Matt Grindstaff is co-owner of Ozark-based multimedia company Edit Access LLC. This column is based on a chapter of his yet-unpublished book, “Elevator to Everest: The Alarming Rate of Entitlement Among American Youth.” He may be reached at matt@editaccess.com.[[In-content Ad]]