Y the Hype?

Mainstream media has covered the fact that Generation Y is currently descending on the workplace ad nauseum. Seriously, we're not all plugged into our iPods, wasting the day on facebook while the over 30's work their tails off. It's been a little disheartening to read the sweeping generalizations that seem to make up the bulk of these articles. Pink magazine did a great piece that more accurately describes how Millennials can add to an organization by forcing decision makers to build their brand beyond the typical modes of communication.

The side of the story that hasn't been adequately covered is that Millennials may actually be more uniquely qualified than any other generation in recent history. After all, isn't this the generation that was practically required to volunteer in order to get into college? Aren't these the same people who faced an uncertain economy (and this is before the recent bust) with optimism and intense networking to even get their first jobs? Yes, you can rag on us for our supposed lack of work ethic; however, here a just a few traits for which we're also being lauded:

goal orientation
positive attitude
desire to be engaged in our career (want "more than just a job")
technical ability
ability to effectively collaborate

Working well with Millennials, and especially managing them, requires a desire to know more about them as well as willingness to alter work patterns to fit their unique traits. Check out this great article for more ideas. Tomorrow, more on how inter-generational relationships affect our day to day work lives.

Must reads for professional women

A poll of successful, self-made professional women in the DC area revealed several books that are "must-reads." Once more than one woman mentioned a title, we knew it had to be included on this list for you! Among them are:

The Big Sister's Guide to the World of Work
The Art of War
Basic Black
Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office

Do you have some titles that have made a difference to you at work? Share them in the comments section!

Catherine T. is one of the coolest women we know. She went from being a 60+ hour per week corporate attorney to a successful entrepreneur. She now runs a government consulting company and is working on her first novel.

What do you wish someone had told you when you were entering the workforce?
I wish someone had told me how important it was to make your boss happy. I operated under the naive impression that if I did good work, and tried hard, I would automatically get promoted. What I didn't take into account was the fact that each boss has a unique style of communication, specific likes and dislikes, and - surprise - they are human like me. Now, the employees I value most take the time to learn whether I like to communicate via phone or e-mail; they anticipate the questions I'm going to ask and they take the time to tailor their work style to mine. I know I can trust them to take over, which leaves me time to work on other projects. It also lets them grow their own skill set and build their resume.

Give some "do's and dont's" for young women to follow at work
Do: take feedback / constructive criticism for what it is - an opportunity to learn
Don't: think that you can build a career without putting in the hours - weekends, evenings, they're part of the dues-paying process early in your career.

A Ready Made Network

At Watch Her Back, we've got a great network of girlfriends, ex- and current co-workers, old bosses, gym buddies, and acquaintances...all professional women who act as our personal brain trust. When we need advice on handling a work situation, these are the ladies we go to. Now, their wisdom is at your disposal. Ask questions, provide feedback. Read us first, before you check your e-mail. You won't be disappointed.

Welcome to Everything You Didn't Know!

Welcome to Watch Her Back! At work, we're much more likely to hear "watch your back" than to be encouraged to reach a hand out to another woman. However, young women today are entering the workforce without fear of the glass ceiling. Whether your passion is winning your latest client, becoming a VP or just getting through the day, we've got something here for you. As a resource for young professional women, this blog represents a knowledge bank. Come here to find wisdom from professional women who have been there, conquered that.