Generation F in Business

Gary Hamel very nicely put together the life expectations that will come with those that grew up online.  I really like his comment about all ideas having equal footing.  How many times have we experienced having someone come up with an idea that is not accepted because management is not ready to hear it - even if the idea is great and many are ready to embrace it?  As Gary said, in the online world, ideas are aggregated by the sheer force of public opinions that are all peer reviewed and grow on their own.  No one can stop it or slow it down.  A business would do well to pay attention to its potential customers if they want to survive in this virtual world, and those with forward-thinking mangement will pay attention.  But will I see this type of response where I work in a government office???  I don't see them recognizing this way of thinking in the near future.  It's too large so nothing changes quickly.

I liked the idea that people online are followed due to merit and not because they were appointed as a leader due to position, birth, or title.  In a way, this takes us back to a time when people climbed the corporate ladder because of merit, and not because they could list degrees on their resume.  Not to say that a degree doesn't increase skills and open minds - there's no doubt about that - but there's nothing like a person that just "gets it."  I have found that working in an office environment, certain people stand out and it's got nothing to do with their education, job title, or any other credentials.  These are the people that recognize that to be a successful leader, you really do have to serve, hear, and then give people what they need.  The internet is certainly a place that allows the cream to float to the top in any field whether they are well-known or not.  You can read articles written by people that have great ideas worth reading, and it's got nothing to do with anything else!  Generation F will definitly have a hard time following someone for no other reason than their title after being "moved" by natural-born inspiration builders they've been following online.

I think the biggest changes that will come from online living will be the speed at which changes and developments will happen.  Now that no one is able to control or limit ideas, and since there is so much free sharing online, technology and many other things will explode!  This is why I believe the copyright laws need to be reconsidered.  Holding out on society strictly for money is not only the wrong thing to do, it's becoming outdated  and uncontrollable just by the creation of the web.  I think many are recognizing this and hopefully a solution that works for everyone will come soon.

Finally, I do believe that Gary's points are right on with how we've all been affected by the web.  Recognizing how it has and will continue to impact our lives has certainly got me thinking about what class I should take next so that I won't be oblivious in our changing world!