Managing the iPod generation has its challenges for the Gen X or Baby Boom supervisor, but here’s a basics on how to treat them to get their respect and full effort on your side.

Management Do’s for Twenty-Somethings

• Small, unexpected rewards for jobs well done
• Learning new skills
• Explaining how what they’re doing makes them more marketable for the future
• Flexible schedules
• Consistent management policies and procedures
• Involve them in goal setting

Management Don’ts for Twenty-Somethings

• Making disparaging remarks about their appearance, lifestyles
• Criticizing their choice of music
• Preaching that hard work and loyalty will always be rewarded
• Assuming your values are the same as theirs
• Hearing about the past…especially yours

By Jim Sullivan