I have been known to be a bit critical of my generation. Born in 1981, depending on how you cut it I belong to either gen x or gen y often called the millennial generation. My people, this generation, have been called lazy and narcissistic or at the very least self-absorbed with our twitter and facebook obsessions thinking that everyone in the world cares what we are doing at all times. There are procedures and manuals all over the business sector in how to deal with us as employees, apparently we aren't the easiest to work with, bucking hierarchical structures, and assuming everyone wants our opinions on well... everything. And as a group we did not stand up to authority in the manner our boomer parents did, allowing Bush to take us to war without so much as creating a protest sign.
But for once, I don't want to knock my generation, I want to applaud it! Sure I believe there are many ways, good and bad, that we are different than generations before us, but one thing I think is clear we are creative and innovative, and I believe we are indeed changing the world.
Millennials take on Business and Philanthropy
Some of the most exciting things in the business world are coming from this millennial generation. Take for example Toms Shoes. For every pair of shoes they sell Toms donates a pair of shoes to a child or person in need. Toms is just one of the MANY businesses using the power of capitalism, to do good in the world.
What I love about the success of Toms Shoes mission is obvious. I am so happy that they have found a way to fulfill their mission of ensuring more children and people around the world have shoes. This is certainly doing good! What I think is hallmark of the unique approach popping up in so many settings is the way they are choosing to use capitalism and American consumption to be the catalyst for tremendous good in the world. What I think is unique to this mindset is the ability to taking two seemingly contradictory mindsets capitalism (consumption) and philanthropy (compassion) and showing the way they can in fact work together.
I have such hope and some plans :) on ways millennials and their mindset will continue transforming not only business, but politics, and many other sectors. By 2012, millennials will be the largest voting block in America. And if this generation has shown us anything they will not just make an impact in the traditional sense with their vote, they will no doubt change the system and hopefully the power structure... let the revolution begin!
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