It's all about you

ESOTERICA

As one who still has a piece of paper describing "100 Ways to Praise a Child" on his refrigerator, I point out this story with a certain amount of hesitance. Nevertheless, not surprisingly, employers are having a little trouble with the "Most-Praised Generation."

[A]s this ... generation grows up, the culture of praise is reaching deeply into the adult world. Bosses, professors and mates are feeling the need to lavish praise on young adults, particularly twentysomethings, or else see them wither under an unfamiliar compliment deficit.

Employers are dishing out kudos to workers for little more than showing up. Corporations including Lands' End and Bank of America are hiring consultants to teach managers how to compliment employees using email, prize packages and public displays of appreciation. The 1,000-employee Scooter Store Inc., a power-wheelchair and scooter firm in New Braunfels, Texas, has a staff "celebrations assistant" whose job it is to throw confetti -- 25 pounds a week -- at employees. She also passes out 100 to 500 celebratory helium balloons a week. The Container Store Inc. estimates that one of its 4,000 employees receives praise every 20 seconds, through such efforts as its "Celebration Voice Mailboxes."

Working in such an environment (where kids expect to be complimented for completing a homework assignment), I found the article interesting and accurate.

I'm also fairly certain that those who read this blog neither expect nor receive such fulsome praise at their places of employ.