What Is Gen Y Looking For in Those They Work For?

If you've been keeping up with the Ex3 Matters blog, you know that the emergence of Gen Y is a topic that I'm quite passionate about. As I've mentioned before, Gen Y will dominate the workforce in the coming years and decades, and the organizations that are prepared for the rise of Millennials are the ones that are going to thrive. Today, I'd like to shift the perspective and discuss what Gen Y is looking for in those they work for. In doing so, I'd also like to shed some light on how consultants will be needed to help businesses adapt and adjust.

What is Gen Y Looking For? Five Essential Qualities

#1 – Authenticity

The members of Generation Y appreciate authenticity as much as any other generation, but they seem to take it more seriously when it comes to how they operate, as well as how they expect their leaders to operate. When managers say they have an “open door” policy, for example, Gen Y takes them at their word. If they discover that policies are really just lip service, they become disengaged.

Consultants can help leaders bridge the gap between the expectations of Gen Y and the policies instituted by leaders. They do so by underlining the importance of authenticity.

#2 – Mentoring

Members of Gen Y in the workforce crave strong leadership, and they want to do the right thing. When leaders fail to provide the proper mentorship, Millennials can begin to feel lost on the job. Leaders need to understand that this craving for leadership and direction isn't a ploy for a pat on the back.

Consultants work with leaders to help them mentor the younger generation, which leads to stronger future leadership and the future success of the organization.

#3 – Real-Time Feedback

I've mentioned this aspect before, but it bears repeating: organizations need to shift their focus from traditional performance evaluations to real-time feedback. Generation Y will demand it, and those companies that institute policies that encourage constructive feedback on a real-time basis are the ones that will thrive as Gen Y assumes an increasingly important role in the business world.

Consultants have the perspective to help leaders understand the needs of Gen Y, and they can help organizations shift their practices so that employees are given the direction they need exactly when they need it.

#4 – Thoughtful Explanation

The members of Gen Y are not accustomed to being left in the dark. Their mastery of technology allows them to get the answers and explanations they need immediately. They're also used to their ability to communicate with anyone anywhere at any time. It follows, then, that they become frustrated when they're told something without any further explanation. If a Millennial is told, “Good job!” by a member of management, they want to know why they've done a good job – not because they're fishing for additional compliments, but because they genuinely want to know the answer and they want to be able to repeat the positive performance.

Consultants will need to teach leaders that openness and authentic communication are what members of Gen Y need to succeed. The reality is that members of other generations want the same thing; they've just never demanded it before.

#5 – A Chance to Prove Themselves

With so much negative publicity surrounding the rise of Gen Y, it's no surprise that the Millennials want to prove their critics wrong. Leaders who hire members of this generation only to subscribe to the conventional wisdom will miss out on the many positive attributes that Gen Y can provide.

Consultants help business leaders recognize these amazing traits, and they help organizations ensure that their futures are in good hands.

Help Usher In an Exciting New Business Landscape

Do you see yourself as someone who can help shape the world of business? Are you intrigued and excited by the rise of Generation Y? I encourage you to consider consulting. As a new generation takes over, the organizations that recognize the strengths and expectations of Gen Y will thrive. As a consultant, you can ensure that the companies you work with land on the positive side of this equation.

Do you feel like you have what it takes to help companies usher in the era of Generation Y successfully? Learn more about consulting by taking a look at the resources we have here at Ex3Matters.com. Buddy Hobart's free eBook, “Experience Matters,” contains a wealth of consulting information, and our free consulting guides provide in-depth information on getting started in this vibrant industry.