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Flying Without a Helicopter: How to Prepare Young People for Work and Life
Joanie B. Connell, Ph.D, a talent management expert, asks the questions that others are too afraid to ask and makes connections others are too bogged down to notice to suggest how parents, educators, and managers can help young people excel in the workplace. Learn how to: produce healthy, independent, and self-reliant employees; prevent stress and burnout among twenty-something employees; help younger employees boost face-to-face communication skills.
170 pages, Paperback
First published December 11, 2014
About the author
Joanie B. Connell
3 books4 followersJoanie B. Connell, Ph.D., is a talent management expert and career coach for people across job levels, ages, and industries. She works with companies to attract, develop, and retain top talent and she works with individuals to improve their success and happiness in their careers.
She has advanced degrees in psychology from UC Berkeley and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Harvard. As a professor, she has taught business and psychology students at the University of California San Diego, Alliant International University, and National University.
Her clients are from Fortune 100 companies, not-for-profit, government agencies, high tech, biotech, healthcare, finance, legal, and other industries. She draws inspiration from her daughter and support from her husband in San Diego, California.
She has advanced degrees in psychology from UC Berkeley and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Harvard. As a professor, she has taught business and psychology students at the University of California San Diego, Alliant International University, and National University.
Her clients are from Fortune 100 companies, not-for-profit, government agencies, high tech, biotech, healthcare, finance, legal, and other industries. She draws inspiration from her daughter and support from her husband in San Diego, California.
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February 28, 2015“The cliche’ of the millenials is they want a trophy for just showing up. (And why not? They have received trophies for that in the past.)” …
Apparently Dr. Joanie Connell has been listening in to my kitchen table rants, because the entire first section of Flying Without A Helicopter is a powerful and complete description of a situation about which I have railed often and loudly, although not nearly as eloquently or astutely as her observations, solid research, and clearly communicated perceptions.
This is not a “Bash The Millennials” book, but a serious attempt to call our attention to a real problem which our entire society must address. At first, I thought this book was an academic discussion of the sociological dynamics of recent years which have affected our educational system, changed our parenting, and resulted in problematic attitudes and behaviors in current college students and entry-level workers.
Then as I moved through the book, I was treated to a good dose of career development counseling the way it ought to always be done. The book ends with some excellent coaching for self-improvement through a solid set of strategies to develop characteristics that we may have let wither.
Dr. Connell clearly and convincingly shows us why this topic is important for all of us regardless of age or generational identification, and how we got to the place where her book is not just necessary, but essential. After a rousing preface and introduction, we enjoy a deep and rich exploration of this issue, how it manifests in school, relationships, and at work, and finally what we can individually do change the situation for ourselves.
The heart of Dr. Connell’s book is what she calls “REAL Life“, as defined by four characteristics essential for career success (Resilience, Empowerment, Authenticity, and Limberness), along with five action strategies designed to develop or enhance those four characteristics.
Here’s the first of the five strategies with some commentary from me: “Accept Imperfection: Praise less and appreciate imperfections in yourself and others.”
The point here is to engage in worthwhile praise for specific behaviors and accomplishments, rather than mindless praise phrases such as “Good Job”, which loses its effectiveness as soon as the person is potty trained, in my opinion. Parents and bosses often use the vague type of “good job” praise because they mistakenly believe this is a coaching approach, showing they lack a strong understanding of what is effective coaching.
The other four strategies are:
Build resilience: Take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them, while retaining positive energy.
Develop independence: Make your own decisions and accept the consequences, take care of yourself, and initiate action.
Polish communication skills: Listen actively, be present in the moment, manage your emotions, and be authentic when interacting with others.
Foster creativity: Take time to reflect, let ideas flow on their own schedule, and let yourself have numerous bad ideas (failures) to inspire the good ones (successes). (Connell, 2015, p. 26)
The book contains three major sections: Part 1 is an extended and rich discussion of the problem as the author sees it, expanding greatly on the points made in the preface.
Part 2 The Solutions includes a detailed treatment of the five strategies. I dare you to read this section (in whatever order “floats your boat”) and fail to come away with some useful material for reflection and self-evaluation.
Part 3 follows naturally with a series of reflective questions and exercises for each chapter, to drive the learning deep into your mind. This is the action part.
Once you have read the introductory material, you can start to dip into areas of particular interest and connect a section in Part 2 with the proper exercises in Part 3. However, my bet is that you will end up reading the whole blessed thing … maybe not in linear order, but completely. It’s that interesting and useful.
The Bottom Line?
This book is useful for anyone in school at any level, with a child in school, or who works with people in school, especially if you want to help them succeed. It is also great for anyone planning to or already working, with relatives who work, or who works with other people, especially if you want to influence them.
Apparently Dr. Joanie Connell has been listening in to my kitchen table rants, because the entire first section of Flying Without A Helicopter is a powerful and complete description of a situation about which I have railed often and loudly, although not nearly as eloquently or astutely as her observations, solid research, and clearly communicated perceptions.
This is not a “Bash The Millennials” book, but a serious attempt to call our attention to a real problem which our entire society must address. At first, I thought this book was an academic discussion of the sociological dynamics of recent years which have affected our educational system, changed our parenting, and resulted in problematic attitudes and behaviors in current college students and entry-level workers.
Then as I moved through the book, I was treated to a good dose of career development counseling the way it ought to always be done. The book ends with some excellent coaching for self-improvement through a solid set of strategies to develop characteristics that we may have let wither.
Dr. Connell clearly and convincingly shows us why this topic is important for all of us regardless of age or generational identification, and how we got to the place where her book is not just necessary, but essential. After a rousing preface and introduction, we enjoy a deep and rich exploration of this issue, how it manifests in school, relationships, and at work, and finally what we can individually do change the situation for ourselves.
The heart of Dr. Connell’s book is what she calls “REAL Life“, as defined by four characteristics essential for career success (Resilience, Empowerment, Authenticity, and Limberness), along with five action strategies designed to develop or enhance those four characteristics.
Here’s the first of the five strategies with some commentary from me: “Accept Imperfection: Praise less and appreciate imperfections in yourself and others.”
The point here is to engage in worthwhile praise for specific behaviors and accomplishments, rather than mindless praise phrases such as “Good Job”, which loses its effectiveness as soon as the person is potty trained, in my opinion. Parents and bosses often use the vague type of “good job” praise because they mistakenly believe this is a coaching approach, showing they lack a strong understanding of what is effective coaching.
The other four strategies are:
Build resilience: Take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them, while retaining positive energy.
Develop independence: Make your own decisions and accept the consequences, take care of yourself, and initiate action.
Polish communication skills: Listen actively, be present in the moment, manage your emotions, and be authentic when interacting with others.
Foster creativity: Take time to reflect, let ideas flow on their own schedule, and let yourself have numerous bad ideas (failures) to inspire the good ones (successes). (Connell, 2015, p. 26)
The book contains three major sections: Part 1 is an extended and rich discussion of the problem as the author sees it, expanding greatly on the points made in the preface.
Part 2 The Solutions includes a detailed treatment of the five strategies. I dare you to read this section (in whatever order “floats your boat”) and fail to come away with some useful material for reflection and self-evaluation.
Part 3 follows naturally with a series of reflective questions and exercises for each chapter, to drive the learning deep into your mind. This is the action part.
Once you have read the introductory material, you can start to dip into areas of particular interest and connect a section in Part 2 with the proper exercises in Part 3. However, my bet is that you will end up reading the whole blessed thing … maybe not in linear order, but completely. It’s that interesting and useful.
The Bottom Line?
This book is useful for anyone in school at any level, with a child in school, or who works with people in school, especially if you want to help them succeed. It is also great for anyone planning to or already working, with relatives who work, or who works with other people, especially if you want to influence them.
February 26, 2015
A must-read for Millennials, their parents and their bosses
In this important book, author Joanie Connell, Ph.D., explains that the generation of millennials has grown up protected and sheltered, entering the workforce:
- with unrealistic expectations about opportunities
- unwilling or unable to accept constructive feedback about their work
- afraid to take risks
- with an expectation or need to be praised daily or even more often
- without the communication skills necessary to work in teams
Dr. Connell explains that these attitudes and behaviors are the result of “helicopter parents” who tend to hover over their children, trying to shield them from negative experiences, setbacks or failures, and make decisions on their behalf. The result is a generation of young people who have not developed the skills required for success in life and on the job.
Joanie Connell achieves something unique in this book. She’s able to talk to the parents and managers as well as the millennials themselves. Her message is important. She states that she wrote the book because she’s concerned that the leaders of tomorrow will not be prepared to lead effectively.
Her book shows the way for all those involved to help young people get ready for “REAL” Life:
RESILIENT – to stay engaged and maintain a positive attitude no matt what gets in your way
EMPOWERED – to be independent and confident, able to get things done
AUTHENTIC – to be aware of yourself, know your strengths and your imperfections, and to communicate genuinely
LIMBER – to be flexible in mind and body, to be creative, resourceful and able to switch gears quickly as the situation requires
She’s organized the book into 3 sections: Problems, Solutions and Exercises. After you read the first section, you recognize with utter clarity the issues involved with this group of young people. The rest of the book explains exactly what young workers can do to develop themselves in the critical areas…and what their parents and bosses can do to foster this growth.
I valued Dr. Connell’s truth-teller approach. Her writing style is simple, clear and conversational. Her stories and examples are powerful and memorable, drawn from her personal experience as a parent and as a consultant to a wide variety of businesses.
If you’re a parent, manager, or young person new to the workplace, grab a copy of this book and apply the recommendations. We need to ensure that our future leaders have the skills they need to take risks, make good decisions and communicate effectively.
In this important book, author Joanie Connell, Ph.D., explains that the generation of millennials has grown up protected and sheltered, entering the workforce:
- with unrealistic expectations about opportunities
- unwilling or unable to accept constructive feedback about their work
- afraid to take risks
- with an expectation or need to be praised daily or even more often
- without the communication skills necessary to work in teams
Dr. Connell explains that these attitudes and behaviors are the result of “helicopter parents” who tend to hover over their children, trying to shield them from negative experiences, setbacks or failures, and make decisions on their behalf. The result is a generation of young people who have not developed the skills required for success in life and on the job.
Joanie Connell achieves something unique in this book. She’s able to talk to the parents and managers as well as the millennials themselves. Her message is important. She states that she wrote the book because she’s concerned that the leaders of tomorrow will not be prepared to lead effectively.
Her book shows the way for all those involved to help young people get ready for “REAL” Life:
RESILIENT – to stay engaged and maintain a positive attitude no matt what gets in your way
EMPOWERED – to be independent and confident, able to get things done
AUTHENTIC – to be aware of yourself, know your strengths and your imperfections, and to communicate genuinely
LIMBER – to be flexible in mind and body, to be creative, resourceful and able to switch gears quickly as the situation requires
She’s organized the book into 3 sections: Problems, Solutions and Exercises. After you read the first section, you recognize with utter clarity the issues involved with this group of young people. The rest of the book explains exactly what young workers can do to develop themselves in the critical areas…and what their parents and bosses can do to foster this growth.
I valued Dr. Connell’s truth-teller approach. Her writing style is simple, clear and conversational. Her stories and examples are powerful and memorable, drawn from her personal experience as a parent and as a consultant to a wide variety of businesses.
If you’re a parent, manager, or young person new to the workplace, grab a copy of this book and apply the recommendations. We need to ensure that our future leaders have the skills they need to take risks, make good decisions and communicate effectively.
February 21, 2015
Simply put, this book is AMAZING!!! I won a copy through a GOODREADS giveaway and was thrilled beyond! It is chocked full of pertinent information for young adults entering the workforce, and just as import, a MUST read for parents and employers alike! It outlines effective approaches and give detailed examples to prepare a person entering the workforce, with a slant towards first time employees. It offers in depth scenarios and situations and covers the full gamut! Ms. Connell has spared nothing and this book belongs in EVERY parent's library to prepare their youth for entry into today's workforce!
December 7, 2015
Technicially it's 4.5 stars, but i'm rounding up to five since Amazon.com doesn't allow half stars. While i'm neither a manager nor a millennial, and I don't have kids, I still found this book insightful regarding myself and how I view coworkers. I particularly enjoyed the varied examples from studies, successful leaders, and personal experiences. The last of these to me, showed how personal this topic is and I definitely look forward to the next book about the society as a whole.
June 17, 2016
I got this book from goodreads for an honest review. All im saying is I haven't had the time to really finish it but it was good from what I did read.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews