It was a completely different environment when the Boomers joined the workforce. Sure, technology had sped things up a bit with better telephones, faxes, and the stirrings of cell phones, but business was basically done in the same way it had always been done. Without delving deeply into science fiction, it’s very difficult to picture how things could be more different now as Generation Y comes into the office.
When Boomers went to work, they got in their car. When Gen Y goes to work, often they can be as productive or more, just by staying home with a laptop. Boomers had few resources for information, knew but one or two ways of doing things, found something that worked and stuck with it. Gen Y has the world at their fingertips, and realizes that while something is good, it can almost always be improved. Change: the Boomer’s fear, Generation Y’s lifestyle.
How can these two groups of people ever see eye to eye or be able to communicate effectively? The old ways and the completely new are meeting in the workplace… and sparks are flying. From BusinessWeek, Carmine Gallo talks about how to get the generations talking.
An excellent example of conflicting viewpoints is in an employee review. A typical review of a Gen Y by a Boomer would entail where the Gen Y is relative to their peers, where they failed, and how that will affect their chances for advancement. This would not only confuse the Gen Y, but discourage them as well.
What should the Boomer have said? Well, they should have begun with what Gen Y did right. From there, cover how they could do better, and finally, suggest how they can learn new skills or better themselves.
Gen Y has different goals than the Boomers. Saying, “Work hard and you can become a Supervisor,” would motivate a Boomer, but completely disinterest a Gen Y. The new generation craves challenges and being challenged on a personal level. It’s not about how they are doing compared to others; it’s about how only they are doing.
It’s also about how you let them do their work. Gen Y grew up with incredible technology only discovered within the past ten to fifteen years. They are accustomed to change and adapt quickly. It is not uncommon for a Gen Y to be explained a new task – a task whose procedure has been set in stone for years – then come back an hour later having revolutionized the process. It is how you handle these types of situations that are crucial to communicating with Gen Y.
First of all, do not be quick to dismiss the idea because it’s new, different, or seemingly bonkers. Don’t even dismiss it if you know it won’t work. Talk with the Gen Y and let them explain all of the features, tricks, or modifications possible. If after all of that, the idea still won’t fly, explain why then encourage them to continue tinkering while doing it your way. Given the chance, a Gen Y may surprise you.
