Studies have found that younger generations are far more self-absorbed than their predecessors. What kinds of problems is that creating in your workforce?

I’ve had some great conversations lately with IT industry experts and CIOs about the state of the IT workforce. Many of those discussions largely revolve around the youngest generations of IT pros – known to most as Generation X and Generation Y.

Most of my interviewees have a positive outlook on what these IT workers bring to their organizations, but there seems to be a quiet—almost passive-aggressive—bias against them. Call in a generational disconnect, where the older sneers at the “new” work habits and attitudes of the younger, or maybe just a little bit of indifference.

Andrew McAfee’s latest blog post brings up a point that many IT leaders make about the younger generations: They’re narcissists.

McAfee cites a 2008 study that found narcissism has skyrocketed over the years, with younger generations becoming highly more self-absorbed than their parents and predecessors. And another study on narcissistic tendencies led McAfee to deliver this kicker:

“Narcissists apparently make good solo performers, and are more likely to become entrepreneurs because of their high tolerance for risk. But in most contexts narcissism is a handicap. It makes you a less valuable professional and a less valued colleague.”

So maybe that quiet bias actually has legs. The big question is, what can CIOs and HR managers do about it?

Do you think these younger generations are too into themselves? And if so, do you have the smarts (or policies) in place to open their eyes and minds to larger team concepts?

Some of our recent interviews offer some tips and solutions. Check those out (and check out McAfee’s recent posts on these issues), and come back with your comments – we’d really love to hear what you think.

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