Robert D. Ramsey

Employers are often cautious when hiring today’s teenagers because they are thought to lack positive work ethics. In the following viewpoint, Robert D. Ramsey claims that the common perceptions of teenagers—that they are lazy, unskilled, materialistic, and delinquent—are myths. Instead, he claims that teens have unique traits that can enhance any workforce, such as enthusiasm, street smarts, and computer skills. Ramsey is an author and expert in supervision and personnel management.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Ramsey, what has shaped adults’ negative views of young people"
2. In the author’s view, how are teenagers doing in school"
3. List three characteristics that Ramsey claims teenagers bring to the workforce.

Unprepared. Unruly. Unmotivated. This is how many adults, including some top business leaders...