Several years ago, when I was in management training (Network Executive Healthcare Leadership Institute), I attended a lecture on "Generational Dynamics." We were warned as managers that the young people today have difficulty dealing with criticism, constructive or otherwise. Current educational and parenting models, it would seem, have so emphasized reinforcing self esteem that when these children become adults they are too easily shattered by negative feedback.
Elder Porphyrios of Kapsokalyvia was dismayed at these modern ideas. Children are not edified by constant praise, he argued. He expressed concern that they would have unrealistic ideas about their importance relative to others, setting the mill of egotism in motion.
Perhaps if we were as impressed by wisdom as we are by fashionable ideas, we would not fall into similar sorts of traps with every generation. I fear we may have erected hard obstacles to our young people on their path to growth and fulfillment.
Copyright 2011 Robert Albanese
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