CHAPTER SIXKEY SKILLS
Understanding Gen Y’s Eight Key Skills
In prior generations, new employees did not bring advanced skills to the job. Much time and money had to be spent training them to do some very basic job-related tasks. New employees did not know more than their future employers, nor did they come equipped with instantly applicable expertise.
None of that is true with Generation Y. For the first time in history, a generation is entering the workforce with skills in certain areas—particularly technology—superior to those of their bosses and current co-workers. We believe one of the major challenges many leaders will face is accepting this reality. Since there is no precedent from which to work, many organizations will be too slow to adjust. By adapting quickly, you can profit from Gen Y’s skills and enthusiasm to create a stronger organization.
While we are saying Gen Y brings certain superior skills to the job, we are not saying they are also bringing all of the wisdom and life experience necessary to apply these skills productively. Here is where leadership kicks in.
Leaders need to grasp the implications of this new paradigm and provide support for both the new and current employees. For new employees, leaders must mentor and guide them using the wisdom gained throughout the years. For current employees, leaders must make certain the new Gen Y talent is not dismissed, ...
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