Dear Editor,
I read with interest your editor’s column in the October 19 issue of Credit Union Times. As a retired credit union CEO I would like to comment. I am not really taking issue with your observations. I just want to expand a bit. First, I am the father of three adult daughters. Two are GenXers and one is a Gen Y millennial. All three are married with children and the hold finance and administrative positions at a major university. The millennial earned an advanced degree from UMASS.
I realize that they are a small sample but I would suggest that their experience is the norm and not the exception for their respective cohorts. This is due largely, I believe, to the fact that they were not exposed to the defective parenting and familial and social environments that created the neuroses that you describe. I am not disputing that a large segment of your generation is struggling in their self-induced despair. Life IS hard. With that said, the whole PTSD-thing is overblown and improperly applied. Serving in the military and seeing your comrade blown to bits easily serves as a source for PTSD. Getting a B- on an exam or being turned down for a job DOES NOT serve as a precursor to PTSD.
Finally, I retired three years ago. I am pleased that nearly all of the millennials that my team hired before I left are still there. I believe that the single biggest factor is that we treat them as distinct and valued human beings. We do not stereotype them as a part of a “class or cohort.” We did not devise programs to emphasize their “specialness.” We treat them as capable and competent adults.
My guess from your autobiographical comments is that you rose to an important leadership position through personal grit. Welcome to the club.
Russell Brooks
Principal/Owner, R.P. Brooks & Associates, LLC
Former SPE FCU President/CEO
Centre Hall, Pa.
