Unprofessional and Unpredictable

Written on 4-Mar-2009 by Nick Micinski

Young people often scare policy makers and other management types because they are seen as unprofessional and unpredictable. Youth sometimes come late to meetings, don’t follow procedures, and don’t respect the assumed social norms that make up ‘professional’ behavior.  

I think this fear is more about the threat active young people represent to the status quo than it is about disregarded behavior or clothing. While in theory new ideas are encouraged, in practice they are threatening to those currently in power.

Ignoring formal procedures and just being real with each other is one way of circumventing bureaucracy. Youth have an amazing ability to make things happen—which sometimes only comes from breaking a few rules.   

That being said, young people do not have a blank check to say or do what ever they like. We have a responsibility to treat our peers and elders with respect while pushing each other to not get stuck in the status quo and outdated ideas.

But it’s this balancing act that is difficult for youth and adults to get right.