Managing Gen Y
Are you Gen Y or do you manage Gen Y?
These are two important questions that you can help me answer.
1. Do we need to manage Gen Y any differently than previous generations (Gen X, Baby Boomers, Traditionals)?
2. Does Gen Y need to learn to manage upwards to update their bosses?
Research has shows that generations are not defined by age but by critical events that shape their development. The USA and Australia have similar cultures where Gen Y’s will usually be younger than 28; whilst in other countries ages are as follows: Singapore (<27), China (<28) Hong Kong (<30) and India (<31). Also the characteristics of Gen Y tend to vary in different countries/regions.
Common Gen Y characteristics include:
- They embrace technology.
- They like to multi-task, computer, iPod, phone, Facebook often at the same time.
- They actively seek feedback on their progress from their managers.
- They want meaningful and engaging work.
- They like to contribute ideas and make an impact early in their role.
- They have high expectations of themselves.
- They are concerned about work/life balance.
- They will actively seek other employment if their needs aren’t met.
Do you agree with this list or are there more?
It could be argued that these characteristics are the typical of a modern workforce in a global economy and not just a younger one. So perhaps the answer to Q1 is that we need to engage ALL employees and give regular feedback?
As for managing upwards, I believe Gen Y has a lot to offer. I regularly have ‘Green Hat’ sessions with my team (mostly Gen Y’s) and seek their input – this blog is a direct result of that. Perhaps more managers could be open to input from younger employees, after all “No one generation has a monopoly on a good idea.”
If you are Gen Y, what advice to have for your manager?
If you are a manager, what advice do you have for Gen Y?
This is a hot and current topic – so please share your views via the comments section below.
January 22nd, 2009 at 11:03 am
The point of “They will actively seek other employment if their needs aren’t met.” doesn’t felt like it shouldn’t be defined as the mind-set of a Gen-Y. Most of us who’re below 40 age doesn’t hesitate to jump if they felt unsatisfied with what they were doing. We could refer to the did you know video for that.
I’d say it’s unfair for employees of other generations when a manager have the perception of the idea of gen Y tends to be great.
The generation gap between a manager and the employee of Gen Y might have given the advantage of “new” idea perception for the manager, while it might be exactly the same thing that thousand other Gen Y are thinking, and doing.
January 22nd, 2009 at 11:16 am
as a student, i think what i feel to be an urge for academic achievement, does not dilute in intensity even though i’m not in the “field” as yet.
and i do agree such feeling often includes high expectation of lecturers and supervisors to recognise that even students too, have good ideas and could think pretty logically.
i would also say that i’m hoping for more feedback apart from those that comes with evaluations and appraisals.
as for managers, all the different kinds, i’d like to point out that a demand for respect for individual capacity is different from a demand to make an impact (or whatever you call them). The latter is obviously about some work related outcome, while the former, understands that even when results weren’t “good enough”, i still expect you to know that i have such capacities as you do, just not as polished yet.
January 22nd, 2009 at 3:48 pm
i enjoy the gen y… we are proud to have them as part of our workforce. They are creative, fast, highly intense, independent and self motivated. Tho’ I have heard many horror stories from my friends… but I personally enjoy their vibrant energy, their love for variety and exceptional multitasking skills. so here is to our dearest zaqi and kiwi… the Gen Y of PrioritySky. You guys ROCK!i enjoy the gen y… we are proud to have them as part of our workforce. They are creative, fast, highly intense, independent and self motivated. Tho’ I have heard many horror stories from my friends… but I personally enjoy their vibrant energy, their love for variety and exceptional multitasking skills. so here is to our dearest zaqi and kiwi… the Gen Y of PrioritySky. You guys ROCK!
February 4th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
Check, check, check… yep, sounds like me! Depending on how you slice and dice it, I’m either an old Y or a very young X – I’m right on the border.
I think Sharon nailed it when she emphasized a “demand for respect for individual capacity.” Ys are powerhouses and achievers. We’re learning and advancing every day – at lightning speed. I will not be talked down to, and when I am, I just think to myself, “You know what? I’ll send you a Christmas card in 20 (or 30) years when I’m your current age and let’s see how we compare.”
Ys are not afraid to take risks, we bounce back quickly and, having grown up with a new gadget every 6 months, we adapt extremely well to change. That’s probably our most beneficial asset compared to some members (definitely not all) of the older generations that are not willing to embrace reality and change with the times.
We have big dreams and strong opinions. We want to contribute and be taken seriously. And we want to have it all – and know we can have it all. In fact, we think we deserve to have it all – love, life, family, career. We design our world to fit our needs.
Oh, and did I mention we’re a bit cocky? That’s what’s most likely to get us into trouble… Or is it just me?
July 5th, 2009 at 12:42 am
Replying to mmhan view on the point of “They will actively seek other employment if their needs aren’t met.” doesn’t felt like it shouldn’t be defined as the mind-set of a Gen-Y. I think the author is referring to GenY has a higher tendency to switch in spite of their rewarding career.
Yes most people will switch when their needs aren’t met. My guess these needs are referring to promotion, salary raise, status raise and other employee benefits. If most met, most non-GenY will stay put and just-do-their-part (mind their own business). My view is, GenY will probably switch if they are not heard (or they feel their ideas/effort are not appreciated).
Please correct me if I am wrong.
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:58 am
Replying to Heather – while self confidence is a great advantage, arrogance is not an attractive quality in anyone of any age or any generation. And if you think you know it all already, well, you risk never learning anything new. I find some younger people can have an inflated sense of their own importance and ability and they can also underestimate that of others. I’d be careful though – not all of any generation is the same…labels like baby boomers or Gen Y and lists of their typical characteristics are misleadingly simple. It is normal to be energetic and self absorbed when young and less so when mature. We older, more experienced primates know this and frankly, the more you learn, about yourself and others, the more humble you become. So enjoy feeling like you can have it all, but don’t be surprised when you find out the price or that something unexpected derails your plans..