Gen Y Gives Thanks: The part others play in my success

November 4, 10:08 AMGeneration Y ExaminerSharalyn Hartwell

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Gen Y realizes success comes from more than
just their own efforts, others have a role.
(Photo: Photoxpress.com)

It is often said that Gen Y is hard to manage and overconfident in the workplace. We have a reputation for expecting too much, doing too little and not giving credit where credit is due. But, this stereotype isn’t going to always fit the bill, especially among successful Gen Y’ers.

Successful Gen Y’ers, successful people in general actually, should be able to look at a situation and recognize the part others have played in their success--whether through mentoring, supporting or providing opportunities. Dan Schawbel is one such successful Gen Y’er.

Schawbel’s list of achievements and responsibilities is pretty long for anyone, much less a 26 year-old. He is a personal branding expert, author, speaker, consultant, blogger and columnist. This Waltham, Mass., resident recognizes his success has stemmed not just from his work, but the actions of others. 

“I'm most thankful that people take the time and energy to read my material, which includes my book, Me 2.0, as well as my columns, my blog articles, guest posts, etc. There are so many options in this world of free content that for people to take the time to read and comment on my work is humbling. I'm very appreciative of the positive, and sometimes negative, reactions that I get from my articles on personal branding. I put in a lot of effort, passion and creativity, so when I see people commenting, sharing on Twitter and Facebook, it really means a lot. I wouldn't have achieved any level of success to date if people didn't pay attention and care about my work, so it's an honor that I would get this kind of consideration and that people would tell their friends, parents, teachers, etc about what they've read.“

Schawbel sees daring to be successful as something anyone, at any age, can do, but it all starts with a little gratitude and realizing opportunities can be created through other people.

“Being thankful is an important part of self-reflection and is something that is important, regardless of your ‘generation membership.’ The great part about the Web now is that even teenagers can get their voice heard and make a name for themselves. Gen Y has some really great opportunities, especially with social networks like BrazenCareerist.com, which connect like-minded individuals who can support each other. I'm thankful that I have such a great network of Gen-Y'ers, who are a part of my life.”

For more tips on success, especially of the personal branding sort, check out Schawbel’s Personal Branding Blog, named the number one job blog you should be reading by CareerBuilder in 2008. 

For more on “Gen Y Gives Thanks”: Click here to read how the series got started and here to read all “Gen Y Gives Thanks” related articles. Join the #GenYGivesThanks conversation on Twitter and check out what the participants in the series are tweeting about with my GenYGivesThanks Twitter list.