Dive right in

Working hard, being appreciated for it, and going home. Seems easy enough. Employers are always "seeking hard working, dedicated, motivated"...fill in the almost infinite amount of terms available. In return for being what they're looking for, they make some promises to the new employee about who they are. This is where it can go sour.

Now, I am aware that am included in what is disgracefully being called the "entitlement generation", but when I ask around, it seems we are only asking for what was promised to us. Reviews, training, time off, seminars, travel; the list grows as I think of friends and the stories they tell. Perhaps there is a "broken promises generation" out there.

A recent article in Advertising Age lets me realize there is hope as someone is out there championing the idea of fostering growth in an employee while increasing their loyalty to the employer.

Little things like acknowledging a good job and following up on questions should be easy enough. "Don't sweat the small stuff", it's a cute phrase but let's face it, little things matter. When I talk to my friends, no matter what career path they have taken, the number one complaint is not feeling appreciated. Maybe it is because our parents were told not to hit us, to reinforce the positive and talk through the negative, but whatever the case we are all here now, and the next crop will be even more interested in instant gratification.