Spring 2008 issue of Horizons

knowledge. commitment. value. CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS AND BUSINESS CONSULTANTS

Ginny Barnes, President/Owner G.B. Communications Inc.

multi-focused, managing many ideas at one time and hyperlinking or hopscotching from one idea to another. They indicate a decline in undivided attention span and, as a result, the old linear patterns of meetings, project organization or communication don’t work as effectively with these generational workers. They want to work quickly, create ideas and projects as they come, in any order, and put many things together to create one. The best way for generation Y to work is in teams, where ideas can be expressed, feedback is quick and members can work on different parts of the whole. When generation Y’s are asked to work on a project solo, they will often network and create their own web of support and communication to hyperlink the project to completion. Maximize the talents of generation Y by creating virtual and real teams for work-related issues and projects. Provide a variety of ways for them to network and communicate on and off the company property. Create a variety of patterns for workdays that are different from the standard 8-5, five days a week model. This variety will maximize their efforts and motivate them to creativity and performance. To prepare for generation Y, companies need to be flexible and analyze why and how they currently conduct business internally. Admit it to yourself! Generation Y brings new ways of thinking, behaving and expecting. This innovation doesn’t have to be a negative thing. The relationship between your company and your new generation employee can be a success by:

Dr. Ginny Barnes is president and owner of G. B. Communications Inc., a consulting and training firm in Columbia, Mo. Barnes specializes in areas of diversity, communication, conflict management and organization development.

She is the author of “Eight Steps of Highly Effective Negotiations: Letting the Other Person Have Your Way” and is the 2006 recipient of the Telly Award for her production of a diversity video titled “Can You See Me Now?”

1. Developing trust in leadership relationships. 2. Improving problem solving and critical thinking skills. 3. Communicating steps for performance success. 4. Developing new ways to work and communicate.

16 u spring 2008 issue