Between the Lamps: “Gen Y Guy”
I am currently reading a book by Jason Ryan Dorsey, the “Gen-Y-Guy”. His book, Y -Size Your Business: How Gen Y Employees Can Save You Money and Grow Your Business gives insight how Gen-Y employees think and act. When you know how your employees think, you can gain a real competitive advantage and transform them into high-performing, loyal employees. Here are five key points to help you understand and relate to the Gen Y employees found in your salon.
No expectation of lifetime employment.
Although extremely loyal, the Gen Y generation is the only generation that never expected to work for one employer their entire career. They see nothing wrong with switching employers if a job or company no longer fits themselves, (or their sleep schedule). They work with a company in order to better themselves or their resume. The trick is to challenge them and help them feel a genuine connection to the company or yourself. Give them a sense of ownership; listen to their feedback and suggestions. They do have excellent ideas.
A feeling of entitlement along with big expectations.
The biggest complaint I hear from employers of all ages — including Gen Yers who manage other Gen Yers — is that many in Gen Y feel entitled. They show up to work and act as if they are owed something for showing up to work. McDonalds figured this out with their campaign “McDonalds Works for Me”. They realize that they have to give to their team all they can. Some may stay, some may choose to go… but you do get the most out of them when they are with you. Check out www.worksforme.ca – you’ll get the idea.
A hunger for instant gratification and tangible outcomes.
Gen Y has come of age with almost instantaneous access to just about everything and everyone — from instant meals to instant messages. This constant immediacy has taught them to have little patience, short attention spans, and to seek ongoing progress in every aspect of their life. They hate waiting in lines at the grocery store (Can you say self checkout?). They will even walk into a fast food restaurant, see a line at the counter, and leave to go somewhere else. You could see this as the “instant everything” generation, Jason’s research shows that they are simply outcome-driven. How do you manage this? Tell them what you want them to do, then get out of the way so they can get it done. In the workplace, this makes them extremely project-oriented rather than job-description focused.
A new relationship with technology and communication.
Since Gen Y grew up during the Internet boom and mobile communication revolution, technology has become an extension of themselves. However, older generations have a big misconception when it comes to Gen Y and technology. Older generations think that Gen Y is tech savvy. This is 100 percent not true. Gen Y is not tech savvy, they are tech dependent. Important difference. They can’t live without their technology. What does this mean? Communicate with them through the technology. Text them when you are away from the salon, this generation would rather text you back than have a conversation on the phone. Create a private/secret Facebook group, this is where you can talk about scheduling, specials and communicate about what’s happening in the salon.
A need for ongoing feedback.
When it comes to employing and motivating Gen-Y employees, give just a five-second check-in that says you notice they exist. All you need to do is send a quick text or go into the salon and mention, “Jessie, I saw how you handled that new customer. Good job.” That’s it. Nothing more. Better yet… post it on their Facebook wall, let them brag to all their friends and family!
I want to hear your comments, visit www.nikvanhaeren.com or email nik@uvalux.com
Thanks!
