Communication - Personal Development - Business

Amazingly, this is the hottest topic in business today. I receive emails everyday asking, “How do I work with Generation Y?” How do you provide leadership and motivation to this new entrant into the workforce? The Millenials, the other moniker for Gen Y, were born between 1977 and 1994 and there are some 70 million in this 14 to 31 age group…roughly 20 percent of the U.S. Population.

Some ideas:

1. Tear up historical job descriptions. I mean really — people aren’t doing what’s written in them, so there is a gap between reality and the written word. Gen Y wants the reality of the job, not some over stated litany of words that is outdated.

2. Become a facilitator and mentor. Dump your role as an authority. It does not work with Gen Y. Remember their “helicopter” parents hovered and became friends and companions to them. They expect the same of you.

3. Generation Y is tech savvy, nimble and enthusiastic, but they need structure. Spell out what the outcome needs to be and give them flexible direction.

4. Remember that they take criticism personally. The old “sandwich” approach doesn’t work (tell them something good, then the criticism, then end with something good). In today’s environment remember the “Serial position effect” - people remember the beginning and end.

5. If a Generation Y is doing the same work as another person, they expect the same pay. If you don’t give it to them, they will find a company that does.

6. They have little loyalty because the escape route is easy. They can always move back with mom and dad. There is real controversy on this perspective!

7. They bring self importance (not arrogance) to the job. There expectation is this: Give me a challenge and leadership and training to do it.

8. Communicate in short bursts. Think of things as little components. If you haven’t visited Twitter, you need to to understand this point.

Email me for the Generational Differences Spread Sheet. I think we need all the help we can get!

What have you learned about dealing with the different generations in the workplace. If you post a comment, I will send you a free download on Listening Skills!!!

Cheers, Marsha

Tags: Gen Y, leadership, motivate, self awareness by Marsha
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I was on a great radio show yesterday (down load it now)

A woman called in and wanted to know how, as an administrator, she could help other people who were having problems with the General Manager. Currently she was sending them to Human Resources and nothing was being resolved.

Dave Rawles, the host of the show, had a wonderful comment. Human Resources is not the ringmaster. Each employee must take personal responsibility for handling their issues (except of course if the bosses behavior is illegal and crosses EEOC boundaries.)
I advised her to suggest different resources to help them grow their skill, which in turn will help their confidence in broaching the person directly. I am totally convinced that people want others to “fix” their problems and that most people are too lazy to change their own habits. Don’t get pulled into this difficult person behavior and they don’t even know they are being a toxic person!
Does this sound cruel and abusive? It shouldn’t because we must all take personal responsibility for our outcomes and choices and leave others to their own devices. You cannot “help” anyone and in my opinion, you can only give them considerations.

1. Give them a book, website or article to read to improve their communication skill. You can help them keep track on the road to personal development.
2. Recommend they learn negotiation skills. Here is a good web site with information that will help negotiating.

3. Suggest they find a mentor to help them make different choices and to pass their approaches by another party.
Here is another link and you can download more information on career searches, resume writing and success. This is a podcast I did with Rick.

Learn how to create your own light. There is an overwhelming amount of information on the Internet - you just need to ferret through it and focus!

Enjoy. Marsha

Tags: career, difficult boss, difficult people by Marsha
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This is very exciting and I hope you can join us!

Be sure to tune in Saturday, July 12 to www.kvtt.org 91.7.
Marsha will be interviewed by Dave Rawles of Career Solutions.
You can call with your comments and questions too!
Where: KVTT 91.7 FM Radio, “The Truth” www.kvtt.org

Time: 11 AM - 12 Noon (Central Time)

Live “On the Air” Questions for Dave:
877.232.4855 (Toll-free)

Other Listening Options: Previous Programs & Podcasts <http://t.pm0.net/s/c?6h.7qb1.3.4tr7.7p7>

*******************
Sunday, July 13, Marsha will be on EMPLOYMENT RADIO 97.5 FM
The Ticket, ESPN Radio

“Business talk radio with an Employment focus” with Rick Gillis
WWW.RICKGILLIS.COM

www.975theticket.com for audio streaming.

Where: EMPLOYMENT RADIO airs on 97.5FM The Ticket, the Houston ESPN affiliate and online at www.975TheTicket.com

TIME: Sundays, 10 AM – 11AM (Central Time)

Tags: difficult boss, difficult employees, difficult people, difficult relationships, personal responsibility by Marsha
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If your work situation is facing a high-degree of economic turbulence, there are very specific strategies that you can apply whether you are a leader or an employee. This topic is so hot, that I recently added a new presentation to my speaking repertoire – Smart Moves in Tough Times.

1. Verify that you know what is expected of you. Make sure that you communicate this information to your team. Don’t wait for anyone to tell you … you must ask and verify.
2. Make sure your skills match the needs of the changing goals of your department and company. If you don’t know, ask. And you may have to seek out the appropriate training and pay for it yourself. Don’t wait for others to pay for your success.
3. Commit yourself to a flexible approach to the changes in your particular situation. Your perception is probably different than anyone else’s so flex to their style and ideas.
4. Dump the negative attitude. People really don’t care and are only interested in themselves. Help others see the bright side of change. Growth, opportunity, and new perspective are just three to concentrate on.
5. Set up a system of feedback and check progress in real-time. If it is not in place, set it up. Again, do this whether you are in a leadership position or not.
6. Train yourself to act promptly and change your focus quickly. Don’t focus on what you can’t control. Rather, look at your own personal responsibility of what you can control like your behavior, attitude, talents, communications, presentation skills, self-awareness, conflict resolution, work ethic, morale, and more.
7. Update your resume. Go on line and learn the nuances of how people are hiring in today’s job market. I guarantee that it has changed within the last twelve months. (Email me (Marsha@MarshaPetrieSue.com) for the Resume How To!)
8. Job search and verify your worth in the marketplace. www.Monster.com and www.Jobbing.com are good places to start.
You get the picture. Take full control of your job and success. Get ready because you will never know when you will be outsources, right sized or someone will decide to free up your future. Please email me for a great white paper on how to write a resume.
Marsha Petrie Sue, MBA, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional)

Tags: accountability, positive attitude, promote yourself, reorganization, resume by Marsha
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