A recent article in the Jobs section of the Dallas Morning News caught my eye – Expand your marketing from boomers to Gen YÂ by Mildred Culp, a workplace expert. She gives timely advice to make your services relevant to more than just baby boomers.
Just as we must learn how to market more effectively to Gen Y (born 1985 and later, sometimes referred to as Millennials,) and Gen X , these young people are the leaders of the future. How do you adapt your leadership style to these generations who have different attitudes, behaviors and values?
Whether you are marketing to Gen Y or leading Gen Y, understand the fundamentals of their makeup. Their attitudes are influencing and changing the workplace so we need to pay attention and nurture them, rather than try to make them adapt to who we think they need to be.
Some tips to lead Gen X and Gen Y:
- Honor their personal goals and values
- Get smart on social networking. Notice how many young kids spend time at dinner with their parents and in social situations texting their friends.
- Do your part to go green or save energy. Some baby boomers and WWII generation refuses to believe that we are in danger, although that is quickly shifting. To relate to this group, you must be environmentally conscious.
- Be civic-minded. They are the most community-oriented generation we’ve had since before WWII.
- Most importantly, be authentic and genuine with them. The world they are growing up in demands them to hone their ability to understand what is real and not real, what is fake and what is genuine. Be honest and upfront and you will build a better relationship with them.
How do you be more effective leading this generation? My best advice is to find a Gen X or Gen Y to mentor.
