LOYALTY: AN EXPIRED PRINCIPLE?

Loyalty: An expired principle?

By  William Gaber.

After 35 years of working for the same company, the father was giving a “Thank you” speech as he finally retired. His work mates, family and friends listen with affection and admiration while he thanked the organization for everything learned, for the great achievements and for the possibility of forging a future for him and his son, now 30 years old and working for and important consulting company.

Back at the table the son asked in wonder if his father truly felt all he said in his speech, the question surprised the father who decided to give his full attention to his son.

The young man left everyone at the table in silence when he said:

“Loyalty is not a principle for me or most of my generation, the “Y” generation think different from the “X” or the “Baby boomers” like you.

My generation understands Motivation and compromise; as long as these two conditions exist I will give my best to add value to the company I am working for. Don’t get me wrong, is just I am in pro if a gain-gain situation even when hard or uncertain times.

I just don’t understand sacrificed permanence, maybe because I believe the company will ask me to leave if it doesn’t need me. I can’t thank the organization for my earnings, my property is the result of my work and I paid the company more than it invested. Every paycheck I receive, I get even with the company: It received my work and I, a salary, we don’t owe each other anything.”

There has been a change in principles from one generation to the other, new generations aspire to different things. In a changing speedy World is getting hard to understand the upcoming talents who some times want more than companies are able to offer.

The World seems to be facing a talent crisis; baby boomers are retiring faster than generation “Y” can take their places.

Young professionals don’t think of their work and careers the same way their parents did. In facing this challenge organizations are obliged to listen. Understanding the new requirements to attract the best work force, develop and retain talent is in order. In an ever-changing professional environment in order to survive evolution is our only choice