What’s Your Problem?

“This generation is lazy, and they don’t want to work!” How many times have you heard or even said that?

It’s not uncommon for today’s leaders, in their frustration, to express their problems in such a generalized manner. Unfortunately, these generalizations kill any chance of solving the very real dilemmas they face.

In this instance, I suggest we reframe the struggle as: “I can’t find and keep enough qualified workers to consistently and profitably operate my business.”

One statement blames an entire generation, making meaningful solutions nearly impossible. The other identifies a business problem— and business problems can be solved.

The first mindset unintentionally demotivates those actually showing up and working hard. More than that, it eliminates responsibility for solutions, because how does one realistically “fix” an entire generation?

This leads to expensive band-aid fixes— mandatory overtime and added duties that alienate reliable workers, or pay bumps that may temporarily placate them.

It creates well-intended “employee appreciation” campaigns that give the appearance of a healthy, employee-centric culture rather than realistically creating one.

The other mindset allows us to objectively evaluate a problem, seek out solutions, and stop abdicating responsibility to a faceless external force beyond our control.

It seeks to answer the questions of why things are as they are, where the disconnect lies, and, most importantly, how we can navigate a very real crisis.

Reality Check

Here's the reality: When you generalize problems, you tend to shift blame, multiply conflict, and avoid effective solutions. When you evaluate your issues honestly, you tend to stay grounded in reality, take ownership, and find meaningful resolutions.

This blog is here to help business owners and leaders address today’s labor issues in ways that make sense. Open-mindedness, coupled with the right data and insights, can get you where you want to go.

In the case of “this generation is…” it’s possible to find and keep good workers, but only if you have the appetite to ask the tough questions and consider the answers.

Feel free to add your thoughts or questions below, and if you are ready to move beyond frustration and toward practical solutions, let’s talk.