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