When you hear the term “entitled,” it might conjure up images of self-centered, selfie-taking individuals who believe the world revolves around them. But entitlement isn’t confined to any one generation or personality type. Research from the University of Western Ontario shows that today’s youth are no more narcissistic than those from past generations. In fact, entitlement is more about maturity than age.
As leaders, we encounter entitlement across the spectrum—from fresh college graduate Gen Zs to seasoned professionals. Learning to manage and even embrace this mindset can be crucial for both the individual and the team.
From Self-Centered to Team-Centered
Entitled individuals often operate with a “me first” mentality, focusing primarily on their own success. To shift this mindset, encourage them to consider the team’s success as well. One effective strategy is to assign them roles that require collaboration, such as mentoring new hires or tying part of their compensation to team performance. By doing so, you not only foster a more cooperative environment but also help these individuals see the value in contributing to the success of others.
Appreciation Over Praise
Entitled individuals thrive on recognition, but feeding their ego with over-the-top praise can reinforce their sense of superiority. Instead, focus on appreciating their specific contributions and the impact of their work. For example, instead of saying, “You’re the best hire we’ve ever had,” try, “I appreciate the leadership you’ve shown in retaining our key clients this quarter.” This approach acknowledges their efforts without inflating their sense of self-importance and encourages them to continue contributing positively.
Memory Lane
Sometimes, taking a trip down memory lane can provide entitled employees with much-needed perspective. Many newer employees may not fully appreciate the sacrifices and efforts that built the company they work for today. Consider creating a visual timeline or sharing stories about the company’s history, highlighting key turning points and milestones. Understanding the company’s past can help these employees appreciate the collective effort that led to its success, making them feel more connected to the organization as a whole.
Growth Through Challenge
Entitled individuals often stay within their comfort zones, avoiding risks that might lead to failure. To promote their growth, set challenging goals that push them beyond their usual limits. These stretch goals can help them develop new skills and perspectives. When they encounter difficulties, use these moments as opportunities for learning rather than chastising them for mistakes. This approach builds resilience and encourages a growth mindset, turning potential failure into a powerful learning experience.
No Gray Areas
One of the biggest challenges in managing entitled employees is ensuring they clearly understand what is expected of them. These individuals can exploit vague guidelines, leading to frustration and miscommunication. To prevent this, establish clear, measurable goals that define what success looks like in their role. Be explicit about the behaviors and results you expect, and stick to those standards. Clear expectations leave little room for misinterpretation and help maintain a consistent standard of performance.
Set Them Up to Fail (and Succeed)
While it may seem counterintuitive, allowing entitled employees to experience failure can be one of the most effective ways to foster their growth. Entitled individuals often avoid situations where they might not succeed, preferring to stay within their comfort zones. By setting challenging goals that stretch their abilities, you encourage them to confront their limitations and learn from their mistakes. However, it’s essential to frame these challenges as learning opportunities rather than punitive measures. When they do encounter setbacks, support them in understanding what went wrong and how they can improve. This process not only builds resilience but also helps them develop the skills they need to succeed in the long term.
Shifting the Focus
Leading entitled individuals doesn’t have to be a struggle. By shifting their focus from personal success to team contributions, recognizing their efforts in meaningful ways, challenging them to grow through difficult assignments, and setting clear expectations, you can transform entitlement into a positive force. With the right strategies, you can guide these employees toward becoming valuable and productive members of your team, turning what might seem like a challenge into an opportunity for mutual growth and success.
Great People, Great Careers
At Continental Search, we believe in connecting great people with great careers. With a network of over 10,000 industry experts in animal health and sciences and live production and processing, we offer valuable insights and career opportunities to professionals, while helping employers find the skilled candidates they need. Ready to advance your career or build your team? Let’s work together. Contact us today to learn more about what makes Continental Search different.
Reference: Schmidt, Karen. “Embracing the Entitled” SRA Update
About the Author
Trish Valenzuela is the Practice Director for Monogastric Health & Nutrition at Continental Search. She joined the team in 2015. With her knack for building relationships and a deep understanding of the industry, she has successfully led recruitment efforts for roles within the US, Canada, and Asia.
Trish makes sure to understand what each company needs in a candidate and works closely with them to find the perfect match. She loves learning new things, enjoys going to trade shows, and catching up with folks she’s worked with to keep learning and growing in her field. You can connect with her on LinkedIn or drop her an email at trish@continentalsearch.com.
