Chapter 1:

Flip Flops and MySpace: Introduction to Gen Y and the Workplace

Get to know your Ys. There are many reasons why this generation thinks, behaves, feels, works and plays the way they do. This chapter provides insight into the cultural, psychological, social and environmental factors that have helped shaped this generation’s attitudes, values and beliefs and their subsequent impact in the workplace.

Chapter 2:

It’s All About Me (and you): Self Esteem and Generation Y

When everyone is labeled a winner and building self esteem takes precedence over building other important traits, like responsibility and accountability, entitlement and disproportionate expectations often show up in the workplace. Chapter two explores the cultural transition in parenting and education that took place during the upbringing of this generation, with a focus on self esteem and push for the idea that “everyone’s a winner.” The impact of this shift is addressed with regard to how it has impacted the workplace both positively and negatively and coaching solutions are offered to help those working with Gen Ys to hone their strengths and minimize their potential roadblocks.

Chapter 3:

Helicopters, Hoverers, Boomerangs and Parachutes?: Generation Y and Their Parents

• A father calling his son’s boss to inquire about the outcome of a performance review?
• A mother calling her daughter at work incessantly to check in?
• 25-year old Susie moving back in with mom and dad?
• 21-year old Brian taking a year off to travel the world then shack up with the ‘rents while he figures out his personal five-year plan?

Chapter three discusses the phenomenon of helicopter parents and the extended adolescence that this generation is experiencing because of the boomerang effect (adult kids moving back in with mom and dad because they can) and how this has impacted workplaces everywhere. Coaching strategies are outlined to help those in charge of managing Gen Y learn to develop a sense of responsibility and accountability.

Chapter 4:

Gold Stars for Everyone: Motivation and Generation Y

When teachers give kids a gold star for mediocre performance or reward them with a trophy for finishing in a tie for tenth place, these kids are bound to have some issues with motivation once they grow up and enter the workforce. This, of course, then becomes your problem. This chapter looks at the generational issue of motivation and its roots. After addressing how the Ys motivational tendencies can be a disadvantage or can be shaped to work to a company’s advantage, coaching solutions are provided to help maximize this generation’s potential.

Chapter 5:

Talk 2 Me in Full Sentences Instead of Txting Me: Communication and Generation Y

Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, IM, Text Messaging, or whatever new and better communication device is out there, Gen Y is using it. This has created a generation that is, for the most part, technologically intuitive, savvy, inventive and quick. It has also created a generation that tends to suffer from communication and social integration issues (What did you say? Did you use spell check? Really?). Chapter five delves into the amazing communication opportunities that this generation has had and the wonderful possibilities that have been created for both the inter and intra office environments, along with the potential hazards to attention and productivity that are inherent in these new technologies. Coaching solutions are provided to help your Gen Y employees hone their communication talents and minimize their potential barriers.

Chapter 6:

I’m The Boss of Me: Work Ethic and Generation Y

The 9-5 grind, work before play, the boss is the boss, hierarchical structures of authority, promotion based on time and experience…these are all foreign, old fashioned, ridiculous concepts to Generation Y. Their own workplace expectations and demands are causing some serious turmoil for management. In some cases, The Gen Ys have actually revealed flaws in the traditional office structure, while in others, they have stretched the boundaries of integrated and productive office behavior causing friction both with management and among their cross generational peers. Coaching solutions are offered to bring out the best qualities in this generation’s work ethic and transform the qualities that are causing problems in order to help them successfully incorporate into the workplace and grow as leaders.

Chapter 7:

You hired me because I’m qualified for the position, but I’m also a specialist in socializing: Generation Y and Relationships

Connection, friendship, relationships. What do they have in common? They are priorities with this generation and for Gen Y, they certainly take precedence over work. Although many of these connections occur digitally, that doesn’t stop their constant communication on or off the job. There are significant benefits to the workplace when it comes to Gen Ys priority on relationships but there are also significant problems. Coaching strategies are recommended to help your Gen Ys maximize the benefits of their relationship building skills in the workplace and in their personal and professional development while minimizing the potential productivity hits and distractions that often occur.

Chapter 8:

Ritalin, Xanies, Prozac: Managing Your Gen Ys and Their “Drugs,” Attentions, Moods and Quarter Life Crises

More so than any previous generation, for the Ys, psychiatric medications and therapy are accepted realities when it comes to dealing with their problems. This generation is largely open to getting help when needed (or thought to be needed) and not particularly hesitant to talk about their problems openly. They also have a tendency to break down over seemingly simple issues. Why? Chapter eight explores the social, environmental and psychological issues that have shaped this generation’s psychological functioning as a whole and explores the impact that this has had on the work place, both negative and positive. Coaching solutions are offered to cull the benefits gained by the emotional openness and honesty of the Ys while curtailing any inappropriate office behavior.

Chapter 9:

Politics and Gen Y: Playing the Game Versus Choosing Not to Play the Game

Generation Y does not play the same corporate politic game as the Boomers did. In fact, for the most part, Generation Y doesn’t play the politic game at all. Chapter nine explores the cultural zeitgeist of this generation that has influenced their approach to the hierarchy of the workplace and the subsequent pros and cons with regard to the corporate landscape. Coaching solutions are recommended to enhance the strengths that this generation brings to the table when it comes to their approach to leadership, as well as solutions and strategies to assist them in integrating into your organization’s structure by maximizing their talent and leadership potential.

Chapter 10:

The Shoulders of Giants

We all know that the greatest leaders and influencers wouldn’t be who they are without their mentors. Chapter 10 will inspire our readers to take on a mentorship role with this generation so that their legacy is left in willing, able and, most importantly, capable, innovative and motivated hands. This chapter illuminates the vast potential that the Ys have and motivate our readers to take action in developing this next generation of leaders so that they can be proud of the legacy they leave behind.