Analytics

Monday, April 27, 2009

What Generation Y Wants From Their Boss

Volumes of research has been conducted on how to manage Generation Y. I find most of the information way too general and not specific enough - after all, Generation Y, like Gen X and boomers, are still individuals and cannot all be gathered into one generic group.

A couple of people stand out in understanding Gen Y: Jessica Lee and Jennifer Kushell.

Recently, while conducting management training for a bunch of Gen Y'ers, I asked them to think of the best boss they ever worked for. Then I asked them what that person was their best boss. Here are their responses:
  • Gave me frequent and good feedback
  • Explanations before delegating to me
  • Pushed me to better myself
  • Helped in my career development/was a mentor
  • Provided clear direction and purpose
  • Showed concern for a work/life balance
  • Treated me as a partner and collaborator, not just an employee
  • Trusted me/empowered me
  • Focused on my strengths
  • Was a good teacher
If you manage Generation Y employees - is this the type of boss you are?

1 comment:

jessica lee said...

thanks for the shout out, eric. the needs that you outline... they seem to be pretty consistent with what i hear too from gen Y. the funny thing to me is that these are all pretty basic, reasonable needs. i'd hope that managers, regardless of what level of staff they are managing, would do all of these same things for all of their staff.