By Coach Wolforth –
Developing a deeper, wider, and more accurate frame of reference is incredibly important, and in my opinion, sorely lacking in the lives of young people in 2023. I realize I’m “getting up there” at 63 years of age, so these types of ponderings become inevitable.
Because a vast majority of my staff are “Millennials”, and almost all of our clients are “Generation Z” (Gen Z), quite frequently I get the, “What do you think about Millennials and/or the Gen Z generations?”.
The inference, of course, is they are much different from us in the 40+ crowd… And not in a good way.
First, without question, I will admit many are certainly different in many ways from us old codgers.
Millennials were born into a technological world and came of age in a new millennium. They also were old enough to experience and comprehend 9/11. This generation has witnessed incredibly rapid technological growth and development. As a result, they are often more progressive, creative, and far-thinking than earlier generations.
They also often tend to be less driven, and far more technology-obsessed and self-absorbed. They tend to change jobs more frequently, are far more praise hungry, and often have a unique sense of entitlement regarding their place in the world.
According to a 2021 Consumer Culture Report, Gen Z prioritizes electronics, technology, and health and wellness. They are really concerned with social issues, such as racism, homophobia, equity, and climate change.
Obviously, as with every generation, in many ways, they are superior to those of us more senior. However, in others, they are lacking. It’s the famous, “For everything that is gained, something is lost” truism.
From my viewpoint, it is immediately clear just how much more comfortable and capable both groups are around technology than that of my age group. Both Millennials and Gen Z’ers are superior in terms of understanding and utilizing technology. However, they are also much more dependent upon, and in fact more frequently addicted to, technology as well.
Both groups are also more health and diet conscious than previous generations. One of my standing jokes is that a Millennial or a Gen Z is far more likely to be able to accurately tell you how many calories are in a latte, but will struggle with other questions like how many feet are in a mile; how many states were in the original colonies; what form of government rules China, Cuba, and Venezuela; and on what continent does Pakistan reside?
Of course, each of our perspectives are shaped by our environment, peers, family, and direct experiences. We tend to improve and elevate what we covet and are focused upon. We tend to gravitate to what we are already proficient with and good at. We avoid areas that expose our shortcomings and weaknesses.
Unfortunately, we all tend to be quick to judge, assign blame, and assume we have an exceptionally accurate grasp of others’ intent and motivations. We often view the world as if world history began at the birth of our parents or grandparents. Of course, many of us wouldn’t admit to such a myopic perspective, but our unconscious behavior often exposes our lack in this area.
In my opinion, constantly working on and building a perspective steeped in love and genuine curiosity and is ever-broadening is a powerful tool that positively affects our ability to see another’s perspective, and positively impact those around us.
I tell my athletes all the time, my father was not a fan of my music as a teenager. I am not a fan of some of my son’s music. This is not only ok but also inevitable. Yet, if I am truly open and curious, I will find some of my father’s music not only palatable but actually enjoyable. The same with my son’s musical choices.
You see, we all have far more in common than we do disparate, but we are innately and immediately drawn to our differences. Of course, our differences are not unimportant, and they can be quite crucial. I am certainly not suggesting that we ignore these differences. What I am suggesting is that a deeper and broader perspective allows us to place our similarities and differences into a more extensive context.
In fact, I believe developing a deeper perspective is a crucial key to naturally expressing humility and empathy. Most of you know by now how highly I personally value those two qualities.
Imagine if more coaches were intentionally more in tune with the perspectives of the athletes they train and their parents.
Imagine if more parents were intentionally more in tune with the perspectives of their athletes and the needs of their coaches.
Imagine if more athletes were intentionally more in tune with the perspectives of their parents and the needs of their coaches.
Yet, just the opposite happens most of the time.
Tell me I’m wrong.
Social media almost always exacerbates this flaw.
Again, for clarity’s sake, I’m not telling you that you have to agree with or like another person’s perspective. That is certainly not empathy in my opinion. Empathy is simply recognizing and valuing someone else’s perspective. In fact, you can completely disagree with it. I have some very dear friends with whom I have very different views than they do. It often fosters some very interesting and lively debates, but our friendship is much, much stronger than our differences. I actually believe our differences are a strength, not a weakness.
America was founded on a very profound and totally unique perspective:
“I may completely disagree with what you say but I will die to defend your right to say it.”
That is our First Amendment.
I adore my Millennial staff. I love and respect my Gen Z clients and their parents. Both have strengths that I do not have, and I have personal qualities that they can draw strength from and develop in themselves.
It is why, for the past 25 years, I always close my posts with “Stay curious and keep fighting the good fight.”
It is a call to a broader frame of reference, as well as a summons to our better angels.
Until next time,
Stay curious and keep fighting the good fight.
CW
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