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Working with Gen Y-ers
September 20, 2010
The word failure is not in my vocabulary. I learn something every day. It’s human to make mistakes.
-Helen Reddy (1941 - 2020), Australian-American singer

Workers from Generation Y (16-30 year olds) have had different experiences growing up and typically require new management approaches.  Here are some ideas from Alan Ekblad and Timothy Hathaway from their article, “Working with Generation Y,” in the September/October 2010 issue of Exchange

Establish mentoring as a means of providing supportive direct feedback.

Generation Y-ers have grown up with more parental involvement and structured time from adults (Wray, 2008).  Therefore a ‘community of learners approach,’ where workers are supported through activities such as mentoring, job shadowing, and shared project assignments may be viewed by Generation Y-ers as less intimidating.  They want to participate in tasks and learning experiences that support their growth, are relevant, and can be applied immediately.

Individualize and customize career and growth opportunities.

Generation Y-ers are innovative.  They are used to change, personally and professionally, and have experienced change at home, school, in the community, and at work.  This flexibility is needed to navigate change successfully and to help ascertain a sense of security.  Motivation to remain in a situation is based on movement, however not just upward.  In fact, some Generation Y-ers have no desire to ‘climb the corporate ladder’ but want to feel valued, appreciated, and challenged where they are.






Exchange has packaged six of its practical management resources into a single “Manager’s Tool Kit” and is offering the entire set at a 33% discount.  Separately, these resources would cost $175, but we are offering the entire Manager’s Tool Kit for only $112.  Resources in the kit include:
  • Taking Stock: Tools and Strategies for Evaluating Programs, Directors, Teachers and Children CD Book
  • The Bottom Line for Children's Programs: What You Need to Know to Manage Your Money
  • Managing Money: A Center Director’s Guidebook
  • Not Just Small Change: Fund Development for Early Childhood Programs
  • Basic Techniques for Securing Enrollment: Updated Edition! Four Audio CDs

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Comments (2)

Displaying All 2 Comments
Nkinde · September 20, 2010
MPDI
ARUSHA, Tanzania, United Republic of


This article is excellent and is the real thing, i think the best learning to many people is by free provision of the learning kit, as the starter then later
contribution is necessary as majority are aware and realised the importance of the tool.

Marla · September 20, 2010
USMC
Camp Lejeune, NC, United States


Fantastic article! We are working with lots of generational issues here at the Marine Corps Base. It's a constant effort to interact effectively with not only our staff but with the parents! Our oldest staff member is nearing 80 years of age and the youngest is 19 year old. I recently took a Generations Class where I learned I am a "traditionalist" by thinking, a "baby boomer" by birth and working with lots of Gen X, Y and Millenials....no wonder I'm in a constant state of confusion! :-)



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