No Blue Ribbons is a page for all who are entering our workforce, student or otherwise, currently working with a workforce in a management, leadership, co-worker position, and I would say especially for parents and educators. Although many would disagree with some of what I would tell you, having worked with these BRW (BLUE RIBBON WORKERS) and having educated them I can promise you that this blog will be a resource and a guide for you. Consider it quick training for the frustrated.
WHY did I title it “No Blue Ribbons?” My purpose in this name is multi-faceted. For the New Hire it is a reminder that YOU DO NOT GET A PAT ON THE BACK AND POSITIVE PRAISE for each time you DO YOUR JOB. You get a PAYCHECK. There are NO blue ribbons because you showed up for work today (hopefully on time), or because you are fulfilling the tasks assigned you. Just keep that in mind.
For the Manager or employer. Your primary job responsibility is NOT to process reports or put out front line fires (although there are times when you will have to fulfill these duties), it is to protect the front line! At all costs. As has been said, “your front line is your bottom line” and you need to understand that front line, and how to work with this new generation of employee who will look at you completely dumbfounded when you do not offer them that Blue Ribbon simply for showing up to work today.
It is for the educator. The school teacher or college professor who cannot understand this incredible sense of entitlement that comes with each student. They fully expect YOU to do something about THEIR education, or failing of said education. It could not POSSIBLY be the student’s fault that they are failing! THEY get a Blue Ribbon simply for showing up to school today, and in addition want, no DEMAND that you respect them as an equal in the classroom. I have had third graders pull this trick.
Lastly, it is for the parent. Oh, if I can attract ANY parents to this site we ALL will be much better off. For all of this begins in the home! I will draw upon personal and professional experiences, as well as use quotes from some of my VERY favorite authors on these subjects. I LOVE quotes which can be expounded up, and hope that what I have here will be of benefit to you and your Blue Ribbon Generation worker or future worker as the case might be. Currently, the best thing that parents can do for their future worker (I mean if you don’t want them living in your basement, eating your food and still expecting you to pay for their cell phone when they are thirty) is to PARENT!
So enjoy! Share your thoughts and your opinions (let’s keep things civilized) and lets work together to create a society of productive, contributing and responsible citizens.
