ajcjobs > BlogBreak > Archives > 2008 > May > 20
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Generation X is about opportunities for advancement
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A survey was administered to a group of college graduates from generation X (born 1965 to 1978) asking what they were looking for in a company. The top three responses were:
- I want to enjoy what I do.
- I want to be able to use my skills and abilities.
- I would like opportunities for advancement.
Enjoy what I do is because their parents said, “I hate what I do”. Use skills and abilities is because the prior generation said, “I am not doing what I went to school for”.
The third response, opportunities for advancement, is where many companies miss the mark. While growing up, Generation X’ers were told to obtain as many skills and experiences as you can for your tool box to help make you more valuable.
When X’ers request, “I would like a promotion,” what they are really asking is, “I would like to get promoted or another assignment to gain additional skills”.
When the assignment doesn’t come, they go somewhere else. The reason for leaving is more money. The truth is most people do not make more money when they quit for more money.
A quality career development and succession planning program can help companies retain talent.
