I am at the Oregon Training Summit in Salem, Oregon today. Not sure what to expect. So far, I am impressed with the number of people who have turned out. It will be really interesting to see if this is full of those employed by the state or if there is a good mix of public and private sector interests.
The keynote speaker is Jason Ryan Dorsey, the self proclaimed “Gen Y Guy.”
OK – is it academia or just the state that people think they can get on stage and talk in a monitone voice and expect that anyone is listening? I know – BIG generalization, but my goodness! By the way, on this subject, I saw the most hillariously true video yesterday about PowerPoint CHICKENS. You really need to stop and watch it.
And now, JASON…
Lots of energy, that is for sure!
What is the best advice you would have for a GEN Yer of 24 years old on her first day of work (assuming she shows up to work on time)?
- Be careful who you tread upon on the latter of success, they are the same people you will meet on the way back down.
- If you get bored it is your fault.
- Sit down and shut up.
- Embrace Ambiguity.
- Try new things when the opportunity arises.
- Keep your big mouth shut.
- Do what you are told.
- Learn who’s who.
(NOTE: You have got to be kidding! OK – I think that answered my earlier question: I am surrounded by state employees.)
Best advice he has heard: PULL UP YOUR PANTS!
A generation is geographically based. The most important generational factor is parental traditions – raising their kids the same. He points out that this is the first time (in the US) that four generations have worked side-by-side which is causing a rift. Also, the “Matures” created the work structure, the Boomers perfected it, Gen X reluctantly inherited it and Gen Y feels no obligation to it. Show them an org chart and they think it is a video game.
Because he didn’t know he couldn’t do it, he wrote a book in three weeks and got it published – then he turned 19. Not bad!
Who is GEN Y? 80 million of them born from 1977 to 1995. In 2010, the entire group will be 18 to 34 years old. They had Baby Boomer parent. The first defining moment for them was when the Challenger exploded. The last defining moment is 9/11. They have to remember both of these moments.
They DO NOT expect lifetime employement. Never. They don’t care about getting a watch, or a plaque. They can’t read a watch face and they can’t put the plaque on MySpace. The average time at a job? 13 months. For the US as a whole? 3 years. The wealth of the 25 to 35 demographic has decreased. They spend more than they make. They will very likely live to 90 on an average. So they will be working for 60 years – so why rush it?
They feel entitled because they have been saved by their parents. Baby Boomers have the mentality that they want their children to have it easier than they did themselves. So they save their children and create dependence. Over 50% of college grads GO BACK HOME. Until you cut them off they will keep coming back. But it is NOT seen as bad to go live with their parents.
Adult-olecence – all the freedoms of being an adult without the responsibilities.
NEXT: Advice from parents: “Do what makes you happy.” They also hunger for instant gratification. They don’t want to wait in line. They are outcome oriented. They see the title and think, “I want to be there.” They don’t care that there are steps to get there – they think they are on a slide instead of the steps. They want to get to the end. They think efficiency. Just get to the point.
They are not Tech Savvy. They are tech dependent. Gen X is tech savvy. Gen Y also lacks social skills (really!) They value lifestyle and relationships over career. Baby Boomers defined themselves from what they do between 8 – 5. GenY? After work. Check out Couch Surfing. All that even before their family sometimes.
For Training, the beginning of the training will decide the rest of the training. GenX + GenY>50% of the workforce.
People say that they can multitask. No they can’t. They are just great at tuning information out they don’t care about. They want information in short bursts. They hate PowerPoint. Keep them simple. They want continuous feedback because they are insecure. Let them know that they exist and where they are. If you are not in their business something is wrong and they start looking for another job. They don’t want a manager, they want a coach.
Break training into challenges. They want to prove that they have some value. When they succeed, give them TIME, not a shop gift cards. Give them tangible rewards. Explain how the training we are giving will help them reach their PERSONAL goals.
Make their first day unforgettable. When they show up have a box for them. In it is their business card. Then they give the card to their mom and they are excited! Ask people to wear name tags to help them feel more comfortable.
The reality of what Jason has covered is very true (although I may not agree with EVERYTHING he said). Scary as well.
I am posting this without reviewing it. I hope there are not too many mistakes! (Very Gen X like…)
