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.