Ideas to Work Productively with Generations X and Y
• Give them very frequent feedback on their performance. This works for most employees but for Generation X and Generation Y it is positively essential. Tell them the things you like about what they are doing. Do not wait until yearly performance appraisal time! If they are doing something that needs to be improved upon, tell them that, too—in a helpful way that encourages them to grow.
• Give them access to the newest technology you have. They generally love and appreciate it and can make good use of it.
• Offer them flexibility in scheduling, if at all possible. Work and family balance are important to these workers, and they will stay with employers who are family-friendly.
• Train them and train them and train them some more. They expect opportunities to learn and grow. Give them the chance to train others in your organization on new things they have learned. Rather than training encouraging them to leave, well-trained young and early-middle-age workers will often choose to stay with an employer who provides for their personal and professional growth.
• Pay attention to them as individuals. Find out about what they like, and talk to them about it. Relationships with their boss and coworkers are very important to them, and if they respect you they will stay with you and work hard for you.
• Allow them the opportunity to be casual and comfortable at work. If possible, relax your dress code. If your work generally requires traditional business attire, consider having casual Fridays in your workplace.
• Encourage them to work on multiple tasks and projects at the same time. If they are allowed to prioritize their work, they feel more of a sense of control—a feature they seek in a workplace.
• Involve them in change initiatives, and watch them blossom. They can be your leading proponents of change and how to implement it.
Don’t write off two generations, or even one! They are our future, and they are very capable. Learn what's important to them and how to better manage them, and they will perform well for you!
Source: www.what-are-good-leadership-skills.com, ©Emily A. Sterrett, Ph.D. Reprinted with permission.
photo credit: marsmet548 via photopin cc
