CHAPTER SEVENNEW REALITIES FOR LEADERS

We’ve already discussed how Generation Y is different. In this chapter we cover ten more general characteristics of Gen Y and how these characteristics can impact your leadership strategies.

As a leader you’ll have a tendency to fall back on your normal leadership style. Yet you know that every individual is different. In the case of Gen Y, you can use your knowledge of their attitudes and behaviors to adapt your leadership style for greater effectiveness. Gen Y represents a new reality.

Ten New Realities About Gen Y

The following realities about Gen Y will be discussed in the following sections:

  1. Gen Y is delaying marriage and parenthood.
  2. There is no stigma associated with moving back home.
  3. When Gen Y leaves no one is at fault.
  4. Gen Y “leases” a job, not “buys.”
  5. Multiple jobs are a badge of honor.
  6. Your leadership is continually being evaluated.
  7. Their circle of influence is also watching.
  8. The extended family is coming back for Gen Y.
  9. Gen Y has a vision for themselves.
  10. There is an “ambition gap” between Gen Y men and women.

You Need to Enforce the New Realities

As a leader, it is hard enough to get followers to act when a written rule has changed, let alone when there are new unwritten rules. Tremendous time, energy, and money ...

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