It's time for another book giveaway. This time it's a business book called Millennial Leaders: Success Stories from Today's Most Brilliant Generation Y Leaders. I was pleasantly surprised to see some familiar faces interviews including Dr. Jean Twenge (who just confirmed she will be speaking at the Ypulse College Mashup), Ben Casnocha (also interviewed on Ypulse), and our friend DK at MediaSnackers over in the UK. I did a quick email interview with one of the authors, Scott K. Wilder, below. Some of the characteristics given seem applicable to more than just this generation and could apply to any entrepreneur in my mind (just my two cents). We're giving three copies away to the first three commenters who answer the question: What do you think the biggest challenge is for managing Millennials @ work?
Ypulse: What criteria did you use to choose the leaders featured in the book?
Scott K. Wilder: Leaders were chosen via word of mouth. We allowed individuals to recommend who should be interviewed for the book by submitting names to our website. We also researched extensively a number of young leaders and influencers by reading local and national newspapers, and by reviewing blogs and websites.
YP: What were some common themes related to this generation that emerged for you in writing the book?
SW: Common themes include:
Generation Y's Goals:
- Achieve recognition and respect for their efforts
- An interesting, eclectic and diverse network of support
- Authenticity and bold self expression (Let me be more of me)
- Balance
- Engage people in their conversations about what’s meaningful
- Fabulous career
- Flexibility in life and career
- Freedom to work for a company and own an own a small business
- Instant gratification
- Live first, work second
- Make a contribution to the workplace, community and the world
- Meaningful work
- Rich and rewarding life experiences
- To be in control of their choices, career and lifestyle
- To see what’s possible
Gen Y's Challenges:
- Anxiety and stress to perform/achieve
- Choosing a great place to live first and work second
- Difficulty speaking in public
- Helicopter parents are preventing independence
- Isolation and loneliness
- Managing unrealistic expectations (I can do it all, be it all!)
- Networking face to face
- Overwhelmed
Values:
- Authenticity
- Balance
- Challenge
- Diversity
- Flexibility
- Freedom
- Friendship
- Sustainability
- To be heard and valued
- World Peace
Characteristics of Gen Y Entrepreneurs
- They challenge the status quo
- They cherish creativity and imagination more than rule-following
- They are not afraid to take risks
- They are relentlessly optimistic
- They are non-stop experimenters. They like having side projects
- They love "building stuff"
- They accept -- sometimes enjoy -- uncertainty, chaos, and randomness
Newsletter readers: Visit Ypulse.com for the rest of this interview.
YP: What is the biggest misperception people from older generations have about Gen Y?
SW: There are so many, I am not sure where to begin. The most common one is that they are slackers, that they are lazy, that they are unmotivated. I find they are extremely engaged in their work, but unlike the Baby Boomer generation, they do not live to work. They live to live, and want to make sure that they take plenty of time to smell the roses (my words). The want to learn, to buiild, take risks, and make sure their work has meaning. If they can find these things, they will perform many great things in the work place I absolutely love their energy! And working with them.
YP: What was your favorite anecdote or moment in the book?
SW: Maybe I like this story because it about a Gen Yer who grew up in the Bay Area where I live. Ben Casnocha who at the age of 12 created a website that linked constituents with government officials who could answer their question. After receiving recognition from his community and government, 2 years later, at the age of 14, he founded Comcate, an e-government software company. Today, Ben is 19 and continues to be a successful entrepreneur.
YP: Who should read this book and why?
SW: The following people can benefit from the book:
- Executive and Business Coaches
- Teachers, Professors and athletic coaches
- Parents
- Business Leaders
- Baby Boomers
- Gen Yers
The book provides insight into how to work with Gen Y and highlights Gen Y's strengths as individuals. For corporate leaders, the book provides insights on how to attract and retail Gen Yers. For Gen Yers, it provides advice on how to be successful in the world. The key aspect of the book is that it consists of interviews with Gen Y and each chapter highlights 5 key "Points of Reflection." Generation Y young adults are our future, and it is time for us to start working with them...not resisting their efforts. Gen Y is the true greatest generation. They are
productive, loyal, creative, inquisitive and learners.
YP: Anything else you want to add?
SW: The people who have been tagged as "Gen Y" -- the generation between the ages of 18 and 30 -- are making a tremendous impact on today's culture. Their entrepreneurial prowess and adventurous spirit has spawned countless successes in business. This generation has grown up with more technological advances than any prior group. They process information in a unique manner. They have a distinctive way of managing their interests, their businesses, and their lives. And their power is a force to be reckoned with.
Posted by anastasia
Book Publishing
Comments
Thanks for the link-love... I'm an 'extra' chapter people get access to after buying a book ;-)
Posted by: DK | November 20, 2007 11:37 AM
Biggest Challenge for Mananging Millenials at Work. . . coming from the employee side of things, I'd say it's being kept challenged while "paying my dues". Entry level jobs are mind numbingly boring for bright people, and to be told I can expect several years of mind numbingly boring before I have the opportunity to get involved with more meaningful workplace activities, just doesn't sell me on a job. Employers need to find projects that engage their newbies in order to keep them committed to learning the basics while looking forward to what work responsibilities will be like once fully trained.
Posted by: Andrea | November 20, 2007 12:46 PM
AS a Millenial employee I get very frustrated when I don't have a voice. I also get really frustrated when my hand is held through a project. I'm not dumb I can handle it. I think people from other generations don't understand that my multi-tasking and willingness to learn isn't a bad thing, lets embrace it. I need to be engage to keep my interest.
Posted by: abbey | November 20, 2007 1:11 PM
abbey
i hear you. i completely understand that you want a voice. that's why we just transcribed and published our interviews with gen yers. who are we to put words in your mouth.. who are we to speak for you. we are learning from you. so keep teaching us.
scott
Posted by: scott wilder | November 20, 2007 10:01 PM
I think the biggest challenge is understanding that the priorities of this generation is different than previous ones. This (my) generation has grown up watching their parents go from having stable steady jobs to seeing many being downsized and outsourced. They have seen the cost of living rise exponentially. With that said, having a successful, happy life outside of work has taken more importance than ever before, and increasingly we are looking to work for ourselves or at smaller companies where we can feel secure instead of being just another number. Treat us fairly and we will be loyal.
Posted by: Dan | November 21, 2007 12:38 PM
A growing challenge for managing millenials is an increasing lack of commitment. A few generations ago, staying employed in one career for the majority of your adult life was the norm. Now we millenials will likely end up having anywhere from 5-10 careers before we retire.
It's difficult to keep us motivated to stay in one place for an extended period of time. We don't want to end up stuck, especially in a position that does not seem to be making much of a difference. We value flexibility and freedom (stolen from Scott Wilder's list of values above!).
Posted by: Joel | November 21, 2007 2:26 PM