The article “The Most Praised Generation Goes to Work” by Jeffrey Zaslow uncovered several important questions and answers to them regarding self-esteem of the children who are growing up. To be more precise, the article that was published in the Wall Street Journal is revealing the truth about how children with high self-esteem can function as adults.
The educators and employers claim that the young generation of adults has a strong need for praise; otherwise they would “wither under an unfamiliarly compliment deficit” (Scenters-Zapico 220). The main point, or thesis of the article is that the adults in their mid-twenties should be praised, applauded and showered with encouragement, or they would feel insecure and low-spirited.
As a consequence of this phenomenon, corporations and companies attempt to follow up on these demands. Not only they try to praise the adults more, the employers sometimes engage consultants in order to teach an effective ways of encouraging and complimenting employees to managers. These methods can include praise emails, oral compliments or prize stimulation; furthermore, the worker feels appreciated more than for just showing up to work.
Nevertheless, the author focuses not only on the employees but also on the young couples and relationships in early marriage. He reveals the difficulties that executives, educators, and spouses are facing as they are constantly dealing with those who need praises and stimulation.
One of the few drawbacks of the new policy of encouragement is that with constant praise and celebration employees will not feel unique at their job anymore, as every single worker is appraised. Moreover, the article claims that nowadays young generation is more self-centered that any previous one; students are depicted as more self-absorbed than ever, which would result in a new narcissistic and arrogant generation.
However, according to the research, “praise culture can help the employers with job retention, and marriage counselors say couples often benefit by keeping praise a constant part of their interactions” (Scenters-Zapico 221). A relationship investigation firm, which is located in Seattle, claims that one of the keys to happiness in marriage is praising and complimenting your spouse at least five times a day.
In his article, Jeffrey Zaslow suggests several approaches that will help educators and bosses master the craft of constructive praise and compliments. There are a few points that are essential for productive encouragement: restriction of the adjectives, limiting the emails, controlling the motivation, not falling into the extensive publicity and understanding that sometimes praise is the only choice available.
Besides, the author observes various approaches for different age groups. For example, people over 60 years old are more likely to enjoy receiving a public award while their need for praise is minimal. On the other hand, workers in their forties expect constant feedback on their work and supplemental merchandise connected with the company.
The last age group is the target group, the young adults. Employers have to emphasize the improvements in the performance of the young workers, which may seem odd to older generations. Nevertheless, this scheme proved itself to be quite useful.
In conclusion, it has to be said that everybody needs praise now and then. However, “ego-stroking may feel good, but it doesn’t lead to happiness” (Zaslow par. 28), though it may and help the worker to give more productive performance at work, and the young couples will be able to find harmony and satisfaction in some parts of the wedlock.
Works Cited
Scenters-Zapico, John. Identity: A Reader for Writers, Oxford, England: Oxford University Press, 2013. Print.
Zaslow, Jeffrey. “The Most Praised Generation Goes to Work.” Wall Street Journal.