Younger Generation, Beware Of The Pandering Old-Timers' Distractions

When one looks at the print industry, one quickly realizes that most of its leaders are closer to retirement than to their mid-40s. To top that off, some are ten years past retirement!

This isn’t about old folks; it’s about old folks who have lost their willingness or fear they lack the substance to engage in any thought leadership who continue with unwarranted pandering to the industry’s younger generation.

I urge my older colleagues to stop the ridiculous pandering. To stop luring the younger generation into the web of unwarranted praise. These webs are deceitful and will give future leaders unrealistic optimism, setting them up for disaster.

The easy thing for anyone close to retirement and fearful of their place in terms of relevance is to pander and spew unwarranted praise, as they realize there are always some who would rather be hugged than spanked.

Also, the panderers motivation: younger folks will more than likely reciprocate unwarranted praise to the insecure old-timer. I call this the logorrhea Loop.

Younger generations don't allow the older generation to parade you around like a trophy to distract from their own lack of insight.

The easy thing for anyone close to retirement and fearful of their place in terms of relevance to do is to pander and spew unwarranted praise, as there are always some who would rather be hugged than spanked.

So, young business people seeking success, please be cautious and understand that unwarranted praise and pandering never lead to growth. Instead, those who buy into unwarranted praise will eventually awaken from a delusion and find themselves unprepared.

Anyone who follows any sport realizes it’s not the coach's hugs that bring about greatness. It’s the reality of the truth provided to the athlete that makes them better.

Ray Stasieczko, Host of The End Of The Day With Ray!