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How Gen Y Will Use Innovation to Fill the Leadership Void
Written by Buddy Hobart on April 16th, 2010
Recently we were talking about what the next decade might bring for Gen Y and their career choices. We talked about how Gen Y will be getting married in record numbers and how that may affect their career choices. While I do believe many Gen Yers will accept less than ideal employment situations in order to provide for their families, I also think that Gen Y will come up with innovative and creative ideas to fill the void created by poor leadership.
It is no secret that many Gen Y folks are very entrepreneurial and have ventured out on their own to develop a career path. While some of this has slowed with the economic downturn, it is still a career option for many folks in Generation Y. While we may see a slowdown in many folks’ bootstrapping their way during an entrepreneurial venture, I don’t think that Gen Y will lose their entrepreneurial spirit. They will simply figure out another way to get it done.
One of those ways to get it done is creating a 5-9 business.
I find it fascinating that one of the myths about Gen Y is that they are spoiled and lazy, yet many of this cohort maintain one or two jobs while balancing volunteer time and activities. One of the ways that Gen Y will achieve their entrepreneurial dreams is to start with a 5-9 business. Once that business is up and running, Gen Y will turn it into full employment.
I think that many business leaders will think that they are doing well with their talent retention during this time. What these business leaders will fail to see is how Gen Y is splitting their energy between 9-5 and 5-9. I’ve talked in the past about how Gen Y may keep a less than desirable job in order to pay the bills. One of the consequences of poor leadership will be Gen Y’s diminished energy and commitment to their 9-5 job. Their energy and commitment may well be targeted to their 5-9 job. I truly believe this is an inevitable consequence of poor leadership within their “day job.”
Gen Y will find an outlet for their creative juices and entrepreneurial spirit. If someone will not provide them with meaningful and interesting work during the day, then they will find it on their own. Many will turn these ventures into full-time employment.
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