Good Stuff from Joan Eisenstodt

E.J. Dionne, a columnist in the Washington Post (and often a commentator on MSNBC's "Countdown" with Keith Olbermann [who I confess I think is the sexiest man alive] wrote in the Friday, 25 July Washington Post about how the "youth vote" may make a huge difference in this year's US elections. 

As I read this, I was heartened that it was so, mainly because I want more people involved in the political process - that is what a democracy is about, isn't it? - especially as the so-named "greatest generation" leaves us and we thus lose those who have been the majority of the voters in the US.

This all lead me to wonder if the angst in our industry about the 'next gens', about whom it is said, are less willing to work the long hours that many in our industry have and want higher salaries for work done, might finally change our industry. 

When I hear kvetching about how we planners get no respect and yet work horrific hours, doing everything, and we make not enough, I think we didn't do enough to let others know the importance of our work.  We, I among them, who fell into this industry, were often from administrative rolls and were more often than not, women, did our "aw shucks, anyone can do this" foot shuffle with our eyes cast downward and didn't speak up.

My friend, Margaret, a veteran of the meetings industry, is an amazing example (and always has been) of someone who was unlike anyone else and who taught me (and hopefully others) that you couldn't do that. 

Margaret, who began her job as an admin. out of high school, grew into a respected and honored planner, by documenting everything she did and letting those for whom she worked know it.

I think the 'next gens' (Xers and Yers) will do that for our profession.

Honor them and their ability for knowing when to speak up and leaving the office on time.

Follow their lead in letting everyone know what a good job you do.

And follow their lead in voting.