Leading generation Y

[Frode Heimen]

I just heard this podcast http://podcast.amanet.org/edgewise/management/138/bruce-tulgan-on-h...

And since I manage a lot of Gen Y'ers - I find this topic very interesting.
I have a question as to how do we engage this generation in the work place? They seem to have a lot to say, they are demanding, not very loyal, they want more for less. I understand from the podcast that this is possible to change and I sure do want to read Bruce Tulgans book.

So to my brainstorming.. Can Gen Y be replaced by foreign laborers? Let's take Norway as a typical western country. I see that people from Eastern Europe have stronger work ethics. I have spoken to people from Germany that was told to work slower when they worked in Norway...! What about Asia? I have the impression that they work hard, for less and are more productive.

I am thinking that it is essential that the Gen Y's boost their work moral and effort to prevent themselves from failing in a competitive world? How can we do that? Have anybody read Tulgans book?

Frode H.
http://www.nevermindthemanager.com

[Guy Farmer]

Dear Frode,

In my experience Gen Y employees bring a lot of valuable skills to the table. Successful companies learn to identify the talents they bring to the table and use them to help the company thrive. For example: If someone has a talent in software design but is challenging to supervise, shows up late, doesn't respect rules and co-workers and seems to be difficult to manage, then it is the task of the leader to decide which of the person's skills to use. We can focus on all the things the person does poorly but that only leads to focusing on negative. The other option is to cultivate the things they do well. If they are a software design genius that works best alone then we design a workplace that limits his contact with others and allows him or her to succeed. It's all in the perspective.

Take care,

Guy
www.myrelationshipguy.com/businessconsultant