[KeriForsythe]

When you hear "prima donna," do you automatically envision one of your coworkers? You know: The one who exhibits an inflated self-image and feels a strong sense of entitlement? Well, according to a recent study, office divas are on the rise. Why? Read on to find out.
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[GeeBee]

I have seen a rise in the "prima donna" attitude and yes,predominately among the Gen Y. I have found that the Gen Y are a wonderfully inventive and creative group of individuals who are usually never afraid to give their insight or opinions. This is wonderul, unfortunately, most have a hard time with non-agreement or rejection. Here is a tactic that I have used that has shown remarkable reults. If you use the question "Why?" with the Gen Y group you can receive surprising results. In general, if Gen Y becomes upset with a negative response to one of their suggestions, or if they respond with reluctance to take on an assigned task, I simply ask, "Why?" I have found that this makes the relunctant Gen Y have to think about their responses before replying. I have found that turning back the responsibility for performance directly on GEn Y's most capable shoulders has achieved very good work and personal performance results. Give it a try - this is a highly educated and wonderfully gifted generation with the ability to think above and beyond - the sky has no limit. Tap into this great store of ideas and ask Gen Y - "Why?"

[Kateena]

As a part of Gen Y, I must also agree with this article.

Most Gen Y-ers feel 'entitled', and do not even think about whythey are entitled. Have they earned it? Most of the time, the answer is a resounding 'No'.

Even those who have degrees, good looks, high IQs, etc, still need to be humble enough to start at the bottom, and accept the expertise of their superiors/elders.

Even though critcism can sting a bit, as long as it is constructive- you have every reason to be THANKFUL for it.

I certainly ask my co-workers and superiors for their suggestions on what I can improve, or what they think about how I'm doing.

Doing a job is not about receiving a 'trophy' and praise, it's about satisfaction in a job well-done, and realising that you've enhanced your skills by listening to others.

[lhoodhicks]

We have several gifted GEN Y-ers in our office, but they are not where the attitude comes from. Our receptionist, a 50-plus Boomer, epitomizes your description of the "office diva." She is often referred to as the "office wife" by the staff for the way she has ingratiated herself with the director, ordering personal items for him on-line, picking lint off his jacket, repeating office gossip to him, circumventing his executive assistant in announcing visitors, undermining co-workers at every opportunity, and sitting legs-crossed on his desk (for real!). No one believes there is anything inappropriate going on beyond what we see/experience in the office on a daily basis, and yes, he has a capable executive assistant who is feeling a bit "cuckolded" (that would be me). Going to the boss with issues concerning his "office wife" is obviously not an option. I've tried, in a non-confrontive way, and got nowhere. Any suggestions on how to deal with this problem in a high-road, professional manner?

[KeriForsythe]

Originally Posted by lhoodhicks

We have several gifted GEN Y-ers in our office, but they are not where the attitude comes from. Our receptionist, a 50-plus Boomer, epitomizes your description of the "office diva." She is often referred to as the "office wife" by the staff for the way she has ingratiated herself with the director, ordering personal items for him on-line, picking lint off his jacket, repeating office gossip to him, circumventing his executive assistant in announcing visitors, undermining co-workers at every opportunity, and sitting legs-crossed on his desk (for real!). No one believes there is anything inappropriate going on beyond what we see/experience in the office on a daily basis, and yes, he has a capable executive assistant who is feeling a bit "cuckolded" (that would be me). Going to the boss with issues concerning his "office wife" is obviously not an option. I've tried, in a non-confrontive way, and got nowhere. Any suggestions on how to deal with this problem in a high-road, professional manner?

That's definitely difficult..especially since he has a really close relationship with her. Have you ever talked to her about her behavior? The unprofessional way she conducts herself shouldn't be discussed,but you could request a meeting with her to discuss how you feel she's undermining you. Obviously, try to talk to her in a non-accusatory tone. Keep the conversation professional and try to come up with ways that the two of you can worth together, not against each other.

What does everyone else think?