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Managing Generation X - November 2009 |
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The more things change, the more - inevitably - they stay the same.
There are still those of us who try to get the best from people by
firing off instructions about what they should do; where, when, how and
with whom. In spite of the books and the courses that teach us how to
improve communication, engage with people and participate with them in
decision making, the reality is that one still hears a lot of “telling”
going on.
With employees who know the rules and accept the instructions, the work
gets done and we get by. Now we’re faced with Generation X employees
with all their assertiveness, ambition, creativity and communication
skills.
It’s tempting to think they need a different management style, when
more of the same will probably do – so long as we get it right this
time.
Deal with reality
Do your homework. Get all the facts at your fingertips. Do not assume
you know everything: assume others may well know as much as you do. Ask
for their input.
Engage in dialogue
Generation Xers are smart, bright and have fresh new opinions and ideas
that you need to hear. If you make your conversations safe, they will
speak up. Don’t tell them what you think. Ask them for their ideas and
consider their answers carefully.
Acknowledge
Catch them doing things right, and give compliments. Don’t focus only
on the negative. Disclose something of your own opinions and feelings,
and ask for theirs. Acknowledge them at a personal level so you can
develop better relationships.
It’s more of what employees have always needed and wanted. All that’s different now is the pressure to get it right.
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