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Different Needs
The baby boomers (aged approximately 46 to 63) and the X generation (aged approximately 30 to 45) have pretty much settled in to a stable work pattern. They have either developed solid working habits and remain employed or employable or they've gone off and done something else interesting and are probably pretty good at that. Yet it seems to some that many of the Y generation (aged 29 or under) are still finding their feet in business. The most common complaints I have heard have been "I can't keep them on", "they don't work hard enough", "they don't show initiative", "they expect everything for nothing" and the list goes on.
 If you are a parent of a Y gen-ner you are likely to be a baby boomer or late period X gen-ner. Just cast your mind back to what it was that you told them as they were "growing up" either directly, or though your behaviours. "Do something that you love", "make sure you have a good life/work balance", "know what motivates you personally and do that", "we have everything that we need so make sure you enjoy what the world has to offer".
Even if you didn't say these things directly, you may have given off the vibe that you were not happy doing what you were doing. You may have given up on your dream and so subtly, they have picked up on that and said to themselves, "things will be different for me when I start my working life". And didn't we all say something like that when we were forming our opinions of the world?
So what can you do?
So what can a business do to retain and to motivate generation Y? They need to know WHY you are in business. It needs to be clearly stated, and clearly demonstrated through your values system. And one other little thing, it has to come from the heart. Gen Y need to be able to align to your WHY, your INTENT, to your very reason for existing as a business, to what it is that you are creating on the planet. Else they will leave.
 Here's a few practical suggestions for you:
- Renew your company vision, involving all the represented generations within your business.
- Open up some key sales and marketing or creative roles for the Y gen-ners, even though they do not meet your typical criteria.
- Put an X gen in charge of company culture and make sure a bunch of Y gen-ners are on the team.
- Remove any structures in your business which are no longer required. Ones which were put in place years ago for which the problem at the time has been solved or gone away.
- Renew your company values and involve the whole business in the activity.
The bottom line is that it's not the Y generation who are at fault. It's simply different value systems which are yet to be integrated within the business environment.
Logical Creativity provides expert advice and coaching in the area of cross generational teams.
Until next time,
Business and Leadership Coach
(02) 4786 0297
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Introducing Morag Malloy
Logical Creativity now has the full time services of Ms Morag Malloy to assist businesses in their intimate Human Resources needs.
Morag joined the business early in April and brings with her a fresh and vibrant approach to the human capital in any business.
Morag has over 20 years experience in people development across multiple industries and multiple generations.
Morag can be your consultant designing and implementing your own in-house recruitment program in a most cost effective way, or she can be your outsourced HR manager, managing all aspects of human resources and talent at your place of work.
You can find out more about Morag by following this link, or you can email her directly at
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Newsletter Archives
Ever since I was a young boy I have been asking the question why. Why is one of the most emotive questions you could ask as it often stirs up feelings. Mum and dad confided in me later in life that my constant questioning drove them crazy! Today I benefit from those early days where my why's were entertained because today much of my client work revolves around the artful use of asking challenging questions. Questions generate answers and its one of those answers I want to share with you today in my newsletter.
