By Rebecca Hefter
Who are the Gen Y'ers?
Definition of Generation Y: born between 1980 and 1994
Coaching, openness, collaboration, access, and marketing are the keys to connecting with the most-connected generation.
1. As opposed to traditional mentoring programs where the more experienced manager mentors a younger team member, set up shared coaching sessions. In these sessions the Generation Y team member is asked to talk about what they want in his/her career development. Then the more experienced manager can offer advice that is more relevant.
2. Generation Y team members like to communicate with a manager who has a professional and conversational style. Good posture is important as well as gestures, smiling and eye contact. It is especially important to look at Generation Y team members when they speak. Non-verbally, it is generally better to look open than to look dominant.
3. Generation Y team members place a high value on collaboration and working in teams. They are just as interested in what their peers think as their manager. Managers who encourage open discussions, peer learning and plenty of feedback tend to attract and retain Generation Y team members.
4. Generation Y team members want to talk and like to be listened to. Long presentations with little opportunity for interaction and "death by PowerPoint" have limited appeal. Save large amounts of detail for the company intranet or email where the Gen Y'er can access it 24/7.
5. Be prepared to clearly explain why working for the organization is fun and provides work life balance. The benefits of working for the company need to go way beyond the healthcare package. The benefits should include open door policies, community involvement, training for current future positions and mentoring programs. Just as importantly, if the Gen Yer tells you they want to leave because a new job opportunity has more variety listen patiently and keep in touch. Generation Y team members may want to return if their transition out of the organization was handled positively and respectfully.
© 2006 Novations Group, Inc.
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