A humorous Monday article on what the Millennial generation prefers.
The Highest Reward
Echo Boomers [updated link] apparently will take a self-esteem boost over money, food and sex. Granted, studies like this can be heavily affected by the survey's wording (ie: "your preferred self-esteem boost"). Some thoughts before taking away anything from this survey:
1. A self-esteem boost could be any number of things. Echo Boomers might think of a raise as a self-esteem boost, in which case they would be making more money. They may also see hooking up with a hot boy/girl as a self-esteem boost. Notice how alcohol consumption scored very low - this of all the options would have the lowest affect on an Echo Boomer's self-esteem (or so I would imagine). However, an Echo Boomer's favorite self-esteem boost still beats more money, sex, etc.
2. The article highlights the repeated point that Echo Boomers are the trophy generation. Echo Boomers grew accustomed to receiving feedback on a regular basis and Penelope Trunk has noted this as well - Echo Boomers love feedback.
In interacting with thousands of Echo Boomers, I have observed that they highly value verbal positive feedback over many other forms of praise and they like this praise public. The more public you make the praise, the more rewarding it is for them. In a few tests that I've done, I noticed that public praise beat actual rewards like gift cards. This does align with them receiving participation trophies when they were younger and being praised for participating in sports, even if they didn't win anything.
3. Businesses and employers have a variety of ways to use this. Don't assume that traditional rewards will affect Echo Boomers in the same way that they would affect Generation X or Baby Boomers. One tip for readers I advise business leaders: start with public praise and evaluate the results. You may not need further rewards with Echo Boomers.
4. This does not apply to all Echo Boomers. Male Echo Boomers, especially married males, show a tendency for traditional rewards (higher pay, etc) because they have more responsibilities. "Feeling good from praise" doesn't pay bills or help your kids go to college.
Don't Miss the Behavioral Pattern
As I repeat multiple times when speaking about Echo Boomers, this generation obsesses over attention and validation from others. This differs from Baby Boomers, who wanted to move out in the middle of nowhere and do their thing and Generation Xers who were abandoned by everyone and sought an "I-can-get-it-done" attitude without help. (This is why I chuckle when Echo Boomers tell me, "Everyone wants attention." Actually, no. Some people do not and also understand its dangers.)
Echo Boomers make a daily choice to overshare their life. Why? They need someone to like it! Think about how many activities that you've done that none of your friends would like? Echo Boomers would feel horrified at the thought of doing things their friends don't like or envy. This is why Echo Boomers love social media. They want praise and a "like" or "positive comment" rewards them in their special way.
