Memo to Senior Leadership: Stop Being Afraid of Gen Y – Part 2

The question is, how do we lead this group of people?

Here are some keys to accomplishing what, very soon, will not be an option.

1. Get Secure – People who are insecure tend to have trust issues, be cynical and paranoid. There are going to be enough challenges ahead, so don’t fabricate more because you’re insecure.
2. Embrace Technology – Unless you have access to a time machine (a nice piece of technology itself), there is no way to get around office technology. And why would you? Centralized information is the greatest thing since sliced bread and it is impossible to have accessible data without technology. Becoming tech comfortable is perhaps the best thing you can do for your own career.
3. Love Their Optimism – The world, especially the business world, can be a rough place. It can jade us and leave us with scars. However, the energy and wide-eyed wonder of a young and invigorated staff can recharge your batteries and make you feel young again.
4. Don’t Say No Just To Say No -  I was talking to a programmer that loves to work at night. He feels like his sweet spot is from 10PM to 2AM. Now, I know there are logistical reasons to have 9-5 hours. But ask yourself, why can’t a person work at night if that is their prime function hours?
5. Drop the Seniority Crap – Nothing misses the mark more than, “Bob’s been here for a twenty years, so he gets all the goodies.” This generation will give you their heart and soul, but they will want rewards in the here and now. Don’t make them wait twenty years to get the perks. If they perform, reward them.
6. Change Out Employees For Team Members – No, its not just semantics. If you can lose the hierarchical structure and create a work environment that allows people to feel like people and not an employee number, they will give more to the company.
7. Pay for Performance – Financially put your resources in those that are a resource to your company. Put a pay structure in place that naturally rewards the strong and punishes he weak. That way they’ll leave.
8. Keep it Casual – Both the work environment and the dress, if possible. Google goes to great detail to make work feel like anything but work. Why? Does any one want to hang out and stay late at work? No! Make it a place where they perform, contribute and occasionally shoot a game of pool or break out the Wii and they’ll stay longer and work more hours.
9. Share Information -  Teach people to be business people. Share company information and direction with your team, not just your execs. Let them contribute and listen to what they have to say. Engage them when a challenge comes, even a economic challenge. If they feel it was their choice, they’ll back the company and go the extra mile.
10. Train From Top Down – Focus on consistent mentorship and leadership session for your leadership. It’s state that over 80% of management receives no leadership training. So, a sales guy gets promoted to sales manager and now is magically a leader? No sir! Get them the training they need.

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