Like it or not, we live in an age where the entitlement mentality is rampant. Many people have a sense that they are “owed” something for just being. We won’t get political and discuss the entitlement culture in government but unfortunately we do see this entitlement culture spreading in private business more and more each day. Amazingly, this culture is being accepted, promoted and cultivated at all levels of the organization. There seems to be a belief that if you work there then certain things are owed to you just for showing up. Can you say health care, Christmas bonus and smoke breaks? Oh yeah, and some think they are owed even when they don’t show up! Just in case you’re wondering… what your company owes you is the agreed upon pay for the work you provide. You’re owed a safe working environment that meets all legal standards. You’re owed a basic set of guidelines for working in the organization (the non-negotiables). You’re owed training and coaching so you can perform your job properly. Beyond that, anything else that is done is up to the organization and should be considered something that is above and beyond what you are entitled to.
Now, how do you know if you’re embracing a culture of entitlement? Listed below are 5 signs you might be part of the entitlement culture. We know there are more so leave us a comment with some signs that would make your list.
- You’ve said or you thought, “It’s not my job” – We’re not talking about the response of a receptionist at a doctor’s office being asked to perform a medical procedure. We’re talking about those employees who find the bare minimum they must do in order not to be fired and if they are asked to do anything more, the response is… “it’s not my job”!
- You think a 401K plan is a right – Even if you had it and they took it away or they don’t contribute to it, it’s still not owed to you. In this economic environment, sometimes it’s good just to know you have a job.
- You’re upset the company doesn’t pay some or all of your health insurance – Don’t worry about it, the government will take care of you!
- You don’t think you’re paid what you deserve – Hey, no one forced you to take the job. And if you truly feel this way then ask for a raise and prove why you’re worth it or find a company that will pay you what you think you’re worth or better yet, start your own business.
- One of your favorite phrases is “we’ve always done it that way” – Inventions are made and innovations occur. Your roles and responsibilities may change. That’s just the way business is. If you’re a status quo protector and you’re not looking for innovations or worse, you’re putting up roadblocks to innovation, then you’re part of the entitlement culture.
Here’s the action item of the day… stop trying to figure out what you’re entitled to or what your company owes you and start figuring out what you will do today to make your organization stand out from all others. Figure out what you can do to exceed what your company expects from you.
