[Fredslist] Insights on Generation Y - Inter-Generational Relations e-Tip - October

Thu Oct 20 21:13:47 EDT 2005

Welcome to
Phyllis Weiss Haserot's

INTER-GENERATIONAL RELATIONS e-TIP

October 2005

INSIGHTS ABOUT GENERATION Y FROM LARGE APPLICATION NUMBERS FOR "TEACH FOR AMERICA"

Teach for America has received a remarkable number of applications from students in the Ivy League and other top universities. The result of a Princeton student's senior thesis over 10 years ago - and a lot of hard work selling the idea and raising money - this alternative means of getting enthusiastic and talented young people who wouldn't typically be going into teaching into the toughest schools has been a recruiting and educational success. What can we glean about Generation Y (or the Millennials, born after 1978) from their attraction to this program? 

* Their top academic credentials, which should give them a range of higher paying career choices, indicate this generation's commitment to public service. It suggests: ".college student's belief that education disparities are our generation's civil rights issue," said Elissa Clapp, Teach for America's VP for recruitment and selection. 

* They are reluctant to make long term commitments. Teach for America is only a 2-year commitment.

    * It's a way to put off making big life decisions like career and where to live.

    * They like to keep their options open.

* The post 9/11/01 surge is reflected in application to the Peace Corps and other long-established groups.

* The Teach for America teachers are willing to work very hard and are determined to get results.

INSIGHTS FOR WORKING WITH AND SUPERVISING GENERATION Y

* The Teach for America phenomenon shows their idealism. They tend to want to be involved in work for which they can see a social purpose and make a contribution. This can include pro bono work and community service. Encourage it. They can not only use and further develop their skills, but also they can make connections that will pay off later for business development and client relations.

* They want to see short-term accomplishments. Having been brought up to expect to see almost instantaneous results, they can get impatient on projects that may take years to reach fruition. Break long-term projects into chunks and give them feedback and a feeling of having reached milestones along the way. (That goes for partnership track as well.)

* They desire practical learning rather than abstractions. Be clear about the practicalities of their training, how it will be applied in the short term, and how it will give them marketable skills.

* They are reluctant to make long-term commitments to employers without seeing clear benefits. Include career development in their training and coaching from an early stage and help them see why your firm should be their "employer of choice." Or if your plan is to employ them for a few years only, help prepare them for their next steps. They will be loyal alumni who can refer business and recruits.

* They want opportunities for responsibility and learning. After a reasonable amount of time to learn the basics, provide training or practical experiences that will feed their intellectual curiosity and growth and find ways to delegate responsibility. Don't micro-manage but do give timely advice and feedback. They will become more productive and loyal members of your team and save supervisors' time and aggravation.

* They are willing to work hard if they feel work is meaningful and they are recognized.

Yes, they are concerned with "quality of life" and are still figuring things out. However, if the quality of their work life is stimulating and personally rewarding, they will put in the time and effort and produce notable short-term results.

I welcome your thoughts. Let's start a dialogue.

Phyllis

Publication rights will be granted with request for permission. 

To be put on the list for a free subscription to this e-Alert, send an e-mail to pwhaserot at pdcounsel.com with "Inter-Generational Relations" in the subject line. 

Phyllis Weiss Haserot
Practice Development Counsel
Consulting/Coach to the Next Generation
Creator of *Next Generation, Next Destination* and *The Flexible Firm*

Voice: 212-593-1549
Fax: 212-980-7940
pwhaserot at pdcounsel.com 
please visit: www.pdcounsel.com 

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