A Generation Y Benefit

Posted by Jim Connolly on 18 June, 2009  Email This Post -  Print This Post

No, I’m not suggesting that Generation Y has only one benefit.  Nor am I suggesting that Generation Y has a leg up on other generations.  In fact, as I am famous for saying, “Where There Are People - There Are Issues.”  This truth applies to all generations.  And, all generations, with their unique perspective, bring vast talents (and issues) to the marketplace.

However, Generation Y has a unique benefit.  Generation Y is called that because of their propensity to ask, “Why?”  It can drive managers from prior generations crazy. 

Instead of viewing this characteristic as a annoyance, why not capitalize on it?  Use Generation Y’s willingness to raise issues, question decisions and move on to better opportunities as an early warning system.  If you pay attention to the issues being raised by Generation Y in your workforce, you might be able to detect a looming organizational issue before it takes on a life of its own. 

Like a canary in a coal mine, you’ll be able to detect a small issue before it becomes a threat to the organization.