Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Gen Y
I've been reading some very interesting articles lately, including "Attracting the twentysome worker." So, even though I'm a generation X-er, I totally see some traits that I share with Gen Y.
I am definitely not one who will do things just for the reason that that's how they've always been done. I am all about finding ways to do things easier, and particularly, using technology to make things easier. One difference is I can be fiercely loyal to my place of work--if I feel that the feeling is reciprocated.
I have very high expectations for myself in terms of work performance and goals. However, if the environment doesn't foster this (what I would call) enthusiasm, I quickly feel that my talents and abilities would be best suited elsewhere.
Guilty. I love my iphone.
I'm still hoping to win that megamillions lottery.
Yes, yes and yes.
Anyway, read the article, if you have some time. It's definitely an interesting read.
1. "They're ambitious, they're demanding and they question everything, so if there isn't a good reason for that long commute or late night, don't expect them to do it. When it comes to loyalty, the companies they work for are last on their list - behind their families, their friends, their communities, their co-workers and, of course, themselves."
I am definitely not one who will do things just for the reason that that's how they've always been done. I am all about finding ways to do things easier, and particularly, using technology to make things easier. One difference is I can be fiercely loyal to my place of work--if I feel that the feeling is reciprocated.
2. "'They're...going to be the most high-performing workforce in the history of the world....they have high expectations, but they have the highest expectations first and foremost for themselves.'"
I have very high expectations for myself in terms of work performance and goals. However, if the environment doesn't foster this (what I would call) enthusiasm, I quickly feel that my talents and abilities would be best suited elsewhere.
3. "And speaking of fashion...the most important decorations, though, are electronic - iPods, BlackBerrys, laptops - and they're like extra limbs."
Guilty. I love my iphone.
4. "They're really not that into 'work.'"
I'm still hoping to win that megamillions lottery.
5. "No one joins a company hoping to do the same job forever....So if getting Gen Yers to join a company is a challenge, getting them to stay is even harder. The key is the same one their parents have used their whole lives - loving, encouraging and rewarding them. What that amounts to in corporate terms is a support network, work that challenges more than it bores, and feedback."
Yes, yes and yes.
Anyway, read the article, if you have some time. It's definitely an interesting read.