We Baby Boomers get what we ask for .... Again.
I was initially hesitant to write this article from the parent-child perspective for fear of disenfranchising non-parent readers. This parental view is not to discourage the non-parent reader. Rather, my goal is to spark thoughts for all readers about the impact of Generation Y (born 1979 to 1998) joining your organization – as a board member, a skilled volunteer, or a paid staff member. The more I research generational differences in today’s workplace, the more I feel the need to remind the sometimes griping Baby Boomers (born 1946 to 1964) that younger employees, volunteers and new fellow board members are demonstrating behaviours and characteristics which were learned at home. As parents of Generation Y, Baby Boomers were adamant that the mantra of their youth: “children are to be seen and not heard”, would not be repeated. The expectation was that “children were to be seen, have an opinion and subsequently articulate it with conviction”. Gen Y was encouraged around the dinner table - or more likely in the car, traveling from activity to activity during the week- to:
The oldest of Generation Y is turning 30 this year, and many have been in the workplace for some time. This group has also become a topic of board of director succession planning discussions. In some cases, members of Gen Y are already sitting at the board table. Generation Y has developed characteristics based on the encouragements of their youth. The chart below highlights a variety of methods to maximize these characteristics to benefit your organization.
We encouraged, taught, organized and told them they were special. Now we need to draw them out, ask their opinion, and hold them accountable. When it is time for them to move on to their next challenge, remember that we have added to their knowledge of good governance, and let them know that they have added value to our organizations. Engaging Generation Y is a great opportunity for all our organizations – and we must ensure that we capture their energy, knowledge and teambuilding skills. This generation is exactly what we Baby Boomers asked for. Let them become the impetus for the development of a true learning organization, one where learning is actively shared in the desire to create the most efficient, responsive organization that meets the needs of the mission. Kathi Irvine, organizational development consultant has spent the last 20 years working in a variety of organizations; NFP and for profit while raising two Gen Y children. www.kliassociates.ca
About Volunteer VancouverThe mission of Volunteer Vancouver is to inspire & build leadership in the voluntary sector. This publication is intended to be a medium of communication and information for the many organizations active in the volunteer and not-for-profit sector. The opinions expressed herein are solely those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect official policy of the Board of Directors of Volunteer Vancouver. Volunteer Vancouver |
