Gen Y in the Workforce

I see their problems first as related to poor communications skills, and secondly a generation issue. Mental models of GenY´s and GenXes are not necessarily vastly dissimilar, especially if compared to the dinosaurs from the Baby Boomer generation. Nonetheless Sarah and Josh are encoded with quite different value systems, leading them to see and expect different things. Sarah, as the leader, is ultimately responsible for dealing with the situation establishing functioning lines of communication. Modern leadership emphasizes the importance of identity; how people view themselves. Merely managing the interactions between people is insufficient. Attending to own and subordinates identity construction is a vital leadership task. “…Perhaps the future has more influence and imposes more obligations on us than the past, the unknown more than the already known, the as-yet-untried more than the tried and rejected, the still-to-come more than the what has already happened, the possible more than what has already been” (Javier Marías, Your Face Tomorrow‬, 2002)‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ “…Perhaps the future has more influence and imposes more obligations on us than the past, the unknown more than the already known, the as-yet-untried more than the tried and rejected, the still-to-come more than the what has already happened, the possible more than what has already been” (Javier Marías, Your Face Tomorrow‬, 2002)‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Leadership is a contextual exercise and Sarah needs to accept and adjust to the situation. Sarah´s self-image is somewhat distorted image out of touch with the organizational reality. She clings to the identity as “creative” while she in reality mainly is what she tries to repel “… an established suite”. Her role in the hierarchy is as she describes it herself to “…manage the people…”, that is exactly what she should focus on, leaving it to Josh and others to be young and creative. Even though Sarah – with some right – perceives Josh as self entitled, over-confident and disinclined appreciate her experienced business-advice, and feeling somewhat uncomfortable in the coaching role, she has to roll up her sleeves at get to work. Even though Joshes tendency to question things instead of following instruction can be unsettling. Relying on the accustomed and established marketing channels and “decade long relationships…” Sarah would likely benefit from utilizing Joshes valuable creativity and knowledge of evolving future market possibilities within digital media technologies and social networks. Instead of fearing him Sarah needs to appreciate the potential of Josh. He is representing the power of the future as-yet-untried and still to come. Sarah needs to help Josh along, polish his rough edges.

This can only be done by accepting the sometime frustrating role as mentor; facilitating a learning process for an eager young mind of tomorrow. Successful leaders manage to make their subordinates feel as though they are at the very heart of things. This is especially important with young talents like Josh in frantic need of approval he needs to feel central and important. Josh needs to decide with him self, whether he is still a child playing around, or if he is ready to step into adulthood; among other tings characterized by accountability for ones actions. His impatience is causing him to disregard the chain of command in the organization, thereby disrespecting his immediate leader, Sarah. That is unacceptable behavior he should discontinue immediately. Not even sheer excellence can offset the negative effects of being stigmatized as disloyal. Josh must understand the organizational culture before working on changing it. Josh need to bridle his unrealistic expectations accepting that things do take time, and progress is to some extent painstakingly slow. He should realize that seeking to learn from and advance in the hierarchy with her, instead of “stalking” the CEO trying to advance on her expense is the best long term strategy.

If Sarah and Josh manages to overcome the communications gap and differences in underlying assumptions and expectations they are quite likely to form a highly productive team. Combining Joshes imagination and talent with Sarah´s experience, thoroughness and ability to grasp the big picture. Building a relationship is in the best interest of them both.