Breaking Through the Glazing of Gen-Y

Born between 1960 and 1980, Gen-Y (also known as Millennials)
Never knew the world without cell phones, beepers, voice messages,
And chat rooms. Their grandparents, history’s traditional mentors, are busy out
seeing the world and their parents are struggling to survive and provide it all.

Gen-Y has always been ‘cyber’ connected to people. This is directly opposite from the Boomers always being ‘connected’ to people through face to face relationships. None of the “cyber tools” ever required a show of emotions to operate; but they have enabled Gen-Y’s to take multi-tasking to new heights.

From audiences I am always asked, how do break through the glazed over, blank looks?
Do I reach this generation who seems to be zoned out? Gaining the understanding of how this generation has been raised is a first step in understanding their challenges and their strengths. Here are 7 techniques to help dissolve the glaze:

1. Define: Why is this important to them? Then share it with them.
2. Be respectful of their intelligence.
3. Give them the tools to fulfill your expectations.
4. Seek their opinions and ideas.
5. Provide mentors and job shadowing
6. Be direct and to the point. Don’t waste their time.
7. Focus on commonalities