Management Tip of the Day: How to Build Better Working Relationships with Gen Ys

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Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile JUNE 10, 2010 How to Build Better Working Relationships with Gen Ys Working with someone from a different generation can be a challenging experience. Gen Ys can be particularly confusing to the generations before them. Here are three Gen Y characteristics and tips for how you can work with them, rather than against them: They are immediate. This often comes off as impatience, but Gen Ys are used to things moving at a fast pace. Channel this energy into projects that are meaningful to them and need a flurry of activity to get accomplished. They are informal. Gen Ys tend to be comfortable interacting with anyone at any level of the organization. Encourage this outreach but ask that they keep you updated about whom they're talking to and on what topics. They learn with others. To figure out a new task, Gen Ys often like to talk it through, sometimes with people from another unit or a different company. When the task is sensitive, set the rules that this is out of bounds. For other topics, recognize that this collaborative instinct is a good one and don't discourage it even if it's not your style. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Competing with Gen Y" on the "Ask the Expert: Tammy Erickson" board of the HBR Answer Exchange. Read the full thread and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: RELATED PRODUCT Gen Y in the Workforce Harvard Business Review Case Study Josh Lewis, a young staffer at Rising Entertainment, is frustrated because his boss, marketing chief Sarah Bennett, won't listen to his ideas about using new media to promote films. He works up a plan and pitches it to the CEO in the hallway. The CEO loves it, but Sarah is upset with Josh for going over her head. How can these members of two different generations work together effectively? ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS 3 Tips for Changing Careers Within Your Company 2 Ways to Assess Behaviors, Not Just Results 3 Ways to Boost Your Cultural Sensitivity When Your Employee is Unaware of Unspoken Rules How to Assess If You're Ready for a Global Role 2 Ways to Get Mentoring without a Mentor 3 Tips for Giving Your Boss Feedback Rid Your Organization of Email Dysfunction Be Wary of the Downsides of Entrepreneurship 3 Tips for Making Small Talk with the Big Boss BEST SELLERS Guide to Persuasive Presentations HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials Financial Intelligence Collection HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself Guide to Better Business Writing Job Seekers, Take Note Whether you've been laid off or are considering a job change, HBR's Guide to Getting a Job will help ensure that your next move is the right one. Only $19.95. Buy now » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)