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“…a conditioned
ability to look ahead plays a key role in adaptation. Indeed, one of the
hidden clues to successful coping may well be in the individual’s sense of
the future.”
Alvin Toffler, Future Shock
Although it has been over 25 years since Alvin Toffler’s book appeared on
the best seller list, much has changed, but his prophetic statement above
still resonates with relevance. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic predicts
a shortfall of over 10 million skilled workers by 2010, resulting in
stringent competition for talent and underscores the importance of increased
workforce readiness.
While the
definition of the ‘new workforce’ may be more about attitudes and
expectations than demographic group, the emergence and impact of the
Millennials is both exhilarating and frustrating companies that have
accepted the inevitability of their significance.
Millennials, otherwise known as “Generation Y”…born after 1978, are entering
the workforce with new definitions of success and don’t care how previous
generations have paid their dues because that path to success is now
irrelevant.
They
are young, smart and brash and less likely to respond to the traditional
command-and-control management style and believe in their own self worth and
value enough that they are not shy about trying to change the companies they
work for.
The
Millennial entrance into the workforce may frustrate some, but their
emergence will intrigue and exhilarate managers who harness and mobilize the
strengths in the behaviors and characteristics of this generation:
-
Multi-taskers
-
Convention is winning out
over individualism
-
Being
an effective member of a team
-
Grew
up with a sense of remaining busy
-
Rules have replaced
rebellion
-
Highly technologically savvy
Their
characteristics suggest that, if approached appropriately upon entering the
workforce, their value to the organization, and their retention, could be
enhanced. Early discovery is key to an accelerated transition.
What if they understood…
…how to capitalize on their strengths
…what
to expect in the work environment
…how
to navigate through work situations
…what
is expected from them, and what should be expected from their manager and
the organization
…the
importance of taking responsibility for performance, personal
development and
career
…how
to facilitate effective mutual engagement with their manager
…the
imperative of supporting their manager and the organization
…the
impact of their personal leadership…
And
what if managers were presented with ways to comfortably and proactively
engage with direct reports for mutual benefit?
Career
Catalyst is designed to accelerate the future for people new to your
organization and, properly implemented, could become a differential for your
company in the hiring process. |
