Generational Differences: How Any Manager Can Know And Understand Gen Y

A Mature generation friend asked after the Grammy Awards, "What was that?" He didn't get it and wasn't able to enjoy it much either. When we're older, it's difficult to understand the younger generation. I remember my dad protected us a bit from watching Elvis Presley when he first came out and he was all the rage. I, myself, was proud to be a Pat Boone follower. He was clean-cut and no wiggle. Oh, how things have changed.

The problem is that generational differences get in the way of appreciating what's new today and a better work relationship among Baby Boomers bosses and Gen Y employees. To solve this problem, managers and business owners first need to know and understand Gen Y, or Millennials, before they attempt to teach, manage and advise them. Grammy Award night was a perfect venue for learning about what is new in the music industry and a window to the aspects that typify Gen Y.

Take a "Gen Y look" at Grammy Award Night with these 3 observations:

#1. It was multidimensional and web-like. Think about it, there was a lot of multitasking going on. It is evident in the presentations, the self expression, where there was song, dance, lots of movement, bumping and jumping, many small groups of people in the whole, fast moving, energy, energy, energy, all at the same time. (How can they dance, sing, and jump at the same time?) Well, multidimensional, multitasking is how Millennials learn, communicate, and how they work: they use a variety of sources and people, don't like to waste time, and like a lot going on.

#2. It was loaded with technology. There was flame without smoke, digital instruments, and the Lady Gaga molded- body costume. What was that highly-technical material that looked like her skin with little pointed shoulders? We had cotton, wool and silk when I was growing up. What was that thing attached to Bob Dylan that he used as a harmonica? It looked strange. Isn't this how we see Gen Y, always attached to their technology, like small appendages? Technology gives Gen Y pleasure in their relationships and at work. Using technology saves them time and helps accomplish more. Unlike you and I, they look for change and love state of the art stuff. As a matter of fact, they're asking right now, what's next?

#3. The presentations were complex, weren't they? Like Gen Y they were not so obvious, no so easy to understand without digging below the surface, and perhaps, difficult to translate. You had to listen carefully, and probably several times, to know what Eminem was saying in his lyrics. Although, there was a clear message, "I need a doctor to bring me back to life"; very different from Barbara Streisand singing "Evergreen". And that is so the way of Gen Y. They don't want to be easily known at the surface and invite a "search at the inner core". They want to be seen as unlike any other generation, unique and always-changing generation.

I hope these observations are a window for you to know and understand Gen Y at your workplace with four generations, and will help you understand your coworkers, no matter what your generation.