Graduates will own the new business world because of comfort in Texting, IM'ing, and virtual jobs

I'm very passionate about this topic, and even recently completed a book on it. I find it very frustrating that many people whom I interact with, particularly those over 40, do not see the same world as I do.

Our kids are entering the work force expecting a completely different "style of work" and will own the new business world.

They are 100% emerged in text messaging and instant messaging and working with peers around the world. Sure, you believe you are too. We all have computers and use e-mail and we all believe we are connected. The vast majority of us, however, are not. Not the extent that our kids are.

I work for IBM and I will say that IBM has mastered the virtual work place and it will define their continuance into the age. When I tell people I have had two bosses within a calendar year and never physically met either of them, their eyes spin. Similarly, I have staff members that cross 4 different countries (and many time zones) that work on a single project. Nearly 50% of the company no longer has an office, and walk around any of the remaining buildings and it's like a ghost town. Yet, everyone I know at IBM works more hours than they ever imagined, all hours of the day and weekends, and everyone loves their job and their immersion.

Now watch your teen children. Watch how they never lay down their cell phone. All during classes, on the beach, in restaurants...always texting (and not talking nearly as much). They are 100% "in touch", continuously. They truly understand rapid attention and progress. And their new forms of games (e.g. MMPORG) are perfect incubators for their future virtually-collaborative workforce.

I see a generational revolution, just entering the work force now, and I see resistence among a slightly older group...wishing/pretending that this new level of connectivity isn't needed to get their job done. But it is.