Last week I was meeting with one of our senior consultants who just completed a corporate strategic plan for a client. He was saying how negative our client is toward the “expect it all without working for it” generation (or Gen Y). Our client is tired of hearing about how he has to have volley ball teams, softball tournaments and ice cream socials just to get the new employees to even WANT to work there. He does not hold Gen Y in high regard.

When we asked him about his softball, volley ball and ice cream social experiences, he told us he hasn’t done any of that and has no intention of implementing that kind of “playground” work place. We then asked why did he use these examples and why does he believe it is critical to create a “play ground” in order to attract new talent. His response…….it is all he has read about regarding Gen Y! He has not ACTUALLY HAD THE EXPERIENCE, he has just read about it.

Just read about it…..negative and frustrating. That is what seems to sell. Why aren’t there more articles about the volunteerism of Gen Y, or their advances degrees, or their work ethic (which when channeled I believe is superior to The Boomers)?

I think it is sad that positive doesn’t sell, so we are left with not only negative images of Gen Y, but untrue negative images as well.

“After reading the book I found it to relate very well to what I’ve experienced thus far in managing/leading this generation. As a matter of fact, it was the impetus for taking our newest hire to lunch on Friday. Not surprisingly, her simple request was to ask me what our organizational objectives were going forward such that she could plug into that concept. I further found out her interest in data mining for marketing purposes (not her current role in the organization) and I indicated that it would fit well with our next initiative as she frees up some time with her primary role. Even more amazing, we found out we each have Italian heritage and relatives that settled in the same coal mining town at the turn of the century.”

My bet is these two folks now have a greater understanding of each others vision, will work harder for each other to achieve the visions, and they have a personal bond that will connect them for some time to come. That sounds like a plugged in employee and one that will give her all to the cause.