Millenials are the greatest generation by number and even influence. However, many studies claim they are not great by virtue as they are overconfident and narcissistic which is viewed negatively. On the other hand, as other researches show that being obnoxious and having too high self-esteem leads a path to success, it is possible to state that millennials can become the most successful generation. This paper will prove this thesis by using examples and evidence provided in the articles by Jerry Useem and Joel Stein.
The first text analyzes whether being nice outgoing “giver” ensures professional success. The text compares opposite views providing evidence of whose who support the claim that the pattern of being-nice-pays-off scenario holds up and those who believe that being an aggressive jerk leads to success. The author of article further provides arguments in favour of second claim. Researches show that agreeableness makes people poorer while obnoxious behavior is a predictor of higher salaries. The logic is that givers are often exploited by takers and that powerful rule breakers are more likely to be put in charge. It is proved by many studies and even evolutionary theory which states that bullies get to the top. However, givers can have occasional victories, but author concludes that in lo g-term perspective giving is often a sign of weakness. On the other hand, he in the end he summarizes that being a jerk permanently without other traits is a passport to failure. Success in his opinion requires not only overconfidence but also charisma, ability to express it in suitable situations as well as setting one’s priorities right, preserving a sense of adequacy and staying humane.
The second text deals with the issue of millennials generation trying to give an average portrait of people being born between 1980 and 2000 with reliance on scientific studies and polls. The evidence proves that Me Me Me Generation is far more narcissistic, fame-obsessed, too ambitious, technology-addicted and extremely lazy. These qualities have a huge effect on millennials chances to proper in life: whereas technology and high self-esteem make it possible for them to start something it is very difficult for them to keep it. It becomes harder for them to meet their high expectations. Other issues include entitlement and unhealthy peer pressure and syndrome of missed opportunities that impair millennials development and happiness.. However, the author Joel Stein does not blame M generation for being who they are, instead she argues that they just adapted to new environment just like every previous generation. Moreover, millennials have positive traits as well, for instance, they are more thoughtful of big decisions, they now what they want and they are positive, earnest and financially responsible.
Thus, it is possible to define a certain correlation between millennials being positive, stubborn, narcissistic and obsessed with success with their chances of prospering in life. Both texts either mention or prove the idea of success being connected with overconfidence. Although the first one focuses on giving tips for success and another one simply describes a new generation there is certain message similar to both articles. It concerns necessity to adapt to situation and environment in order to succeed.
Joel Stein In his article “Millenials: The Me Me Me Generation” states that “As with most sales, positivity and confidence work best”. Jerry Useem in his “Why it pays to be a jerk” has similar thoughts about overconfidence writing that “Act like you’re the smartest person in the room, a series of striking studies demonstrates, and you’ll up your chances of running the show”. However, the author further states that being nice sometimes is beneficial just like being too arrogant can be destructive.
Given that, according to Joel Stein, Me generation is the probably the nicest in history that is more likely to sympathize and socialize more than previous ones, it can turn these qualities to their own good. Still, the issue is not in the character of a person itself but in the ability to properly apply it in different situations. It is recommended to use traits as a tool, so for millennials to become successful in their career they should learn how to be narcissistic to influence people but not to turn them against, be aggressive in achieving one’s goals but not in forcing others to do that, break a few rules where appropriate and with a purpose of benefiting friends or colleagues. Whereas Joel Stein promotes the idea of new generation that likes being challenged, Jerry Useem emphasizes that people should challenge ideas not people, if the second article gives the idea of millenials being nice and optimistic as a positive attributes, the first one reminds people that it is important to remain tough. Thus, Stein’s article elucidates on who millennials are while Useem writes on whom they should be to advance in their lives.
Therefore, although the texts differ in terms of topic and narrative they both prompt readers to take challenges and change the tactics of dealing with them with regard to specific environment and timeline. Combined, these articles can provide an effective advice on how young generation can achieve one’s professional goals which can be formulated as follows: it is right to be nice in a proper situation just as it is normal to be arrogant and selfish in supportive circumstances, the emphasis is not a personality itself but on ability to use it as a tool.
Works cited
Stein, Joel. “Millennials: The Me Me Me Generation.” Time, Time, time.com/247/millennials-the-me-me-me-generation.
Useem, Jerry. “Why It Pays to Be a Jerk.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 21 Apr. 2017, www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2015/06/why-it-pays-to-be-a-jerk/392066/.
