Working with the whY Generation...

I wrote a blog post called "Creative Problem Solving... a case study" that garnered a surprising amount of commentary, particularly regarding some insights into the Y Generation (Millennials). It was not my intention to talk about one of my most favorite management and leadership topics, but rather use them as a back drop for my "case study" (aka, story) - I was really working the "creative problem solving" angle.  I am sensing they are as energetic as ever, and with 32 million settling into the U.S. workforce alone, I thought I would offer some further thoughts. I have read a white paper or two on the topic, but most of my insight comes from hiring over seventy-five Millennials and managing dozens at any given time - I feel comfortable weighing in. 

If you are wondering where the term came from, it goes something like this... almost twenty five years ago, Douglas Coupland popularized the term Generation X, as well as a generation, in his book by the same name. In great creative fashion, the next generation (those born after 1980-ish), were coined Generation Y... it's still a little fuzzy whether there is an official Generation Z. This is actually a good place to start, as much of the commentary and perspective regarding the Y Generation is coming from the Gen X and the tail end of the Baby Boomers. If you ask the Millennials, they have it all figured out, and the others are the ones with the issues. 

Much of my thinking will come from a Gen X and Baby Boomer leadership perspective, but if you were born after 1980, it may offer you some insights with managing up. Let me paint a picture of the Y Generation, knowing up front, it is with a broad brush.

• They are smart and educated, which can be accompanied with a healthy dose of self worth.
• Very technologically and socially savvy, particularly with anything involving personal devices.
• Yes, they have an air of "entitlement".*
• There is an enhanced sense of work-life balance.  
• Collaboration and a sense of "team" are important.
• If they are not happy, the will move on.
• They require regular validation and re-enforcement
• Have aggressive professional expectations.
• They want mentorship and leadership.

If you are working with Millennials, none of this will be surprising, so lets jump in. 

As leaders, I have seen us fall into this particular trap - Since they are smart, engaging, confident, know technology (we may not), and say the "right" things, we make the mistake of confusing their potential with actual ability (Millennials also make the same mistake, so at least we are all on the same page). I have seen impressed leaders end up with miscast situations, as they have confused potential to do a good job with actual ability. This is a very important point... conversations need to be around "potential" and not perceived "ability". This will help align expectations. Expectations... realistic expectations, are everything.

I remember speaking with a more than a few Millennials six months into their new sales role and they very honestly told me they had mastered their current position and it was time for their promotion; particularly since they had their eye on being a Sales Director in five years. This is where grounded conversations regarding their potential and development of their abilities are needed. I will also tell you up front that when you tell a Millennial it will take five years to develop a set of competencies, they will tell you it will only take them nine months. This is where the label of "entitlement" tends to get bantered about. Development plans, with measurable competencies  are key for constructive conversations, as well as establishing benchmarking for that "superstar" who ultimately does it in nine months.

Millennials are very collaborative, team oriented and socially wired (literally and figuratively). They are prone to speak as, and for the "collective", particularly with issues that may be very personal; they will expect to be heard (and probably agreed with). Transparency in a team setting is everything in my experience - Explain to them who you are, what you expect, the rules, what you like, what you don't like, how best to communicate, when you are wrong, when you are right, when they are right, when they are wrong, ask what they think, translate corporate speak for them, define success and define failure. The Y Generation is thirsty for leaders and mentors who will help them, even when they have it mastered, because deep down know they haven't.

As a leader, the Y Generation will challenge you... they will challenge your ability to develop, retain, motivate and engage - You will become a better leader for it, although it can be quite exhausting.

In the title, I referred to the Y Generation as the whY Generation - Other than being somewhat "witty", I did it because a number of years ago, my HR partner and I presented to commercial leadership, regarding the potential of the Gen Y and the group I led;  "whY" I felt they were important for the future, and why I was having so much fun.

Above pretty much summarizes what I said. The over performance and the pipeline of great talent was just a bonus.

gpe 

* I heard this story of a Millennial who was an entry level sales professional selling cars. At the end of the month, he had missed his quota and did not receive his commission as per his agreement. The next day the parents went to see the General Manager of the car dealership and argued that their son should be paid his commission. The General Manager explained to the parents how the real world works and kicked them out of his office. I don't think the Y Generation were born entitled. 

The art and necessity of trailblazing...

Author's note up front... this is a metaphorical journey that you are about to embark on. Do not worry, this will be fun.

The beaten path

If you live in the northern hemisphere, you are probably getting a little anxious for spring to arrive, as it has been a long winter. Yesterday it was in the air; the day was sunny, the air was clear, and relatively speaking, it was a balmy - 4 Celsius. With this in mind, I found myself hiking at a local conservation area; wandered through the snow off the beaten path (I obviously didn't read the sign). It was here that it struck me I was a bit of a trailblazer. I should be clear upfront that I have hiked and scrambled over these rocks before and I know the area, but now it was covered with thick blanket of snow; fresh and new.

A trailblazer is a person who blazes a trail for others to follow through unsettled country or wilderness. Now in the most literal sense, I wasn't really trail blazing as many people have wandered this area before. But today, in my current situation, there was not a trail to follow and if someone came after me they would most likely walk in my footsteps. Today, I was figuratively trailblazing - Practicing the art and necessity of trailblazing.

• Trailblazers do not follow the blazes or the beaten path. It is also contextual, as one person's beaten path is an others undiscovered territory.

As I worked my way through the snow, it quickly became apparent that there were hidden boulders, branches and holes. Any of which could trip me up, delay my progress or if I wasn't careful, actually twist an ankle. Progress was slower, more thought-out, as I determined the best path to take. There were indicators, like trees, animal tracks and boulders not completely covered in snow to help find my way, and my hiking experience came in handy.

• Trail blazing requires more thought and consideration as you work through it. With the beaten trail, more often than not, you can operate on autopilot.
• Trail blazing can be an individual activity. You need to rely on your own skills and your experiences, and that may be all you have to work with.
• When you are trailing blazing, there is a good possibility you could find yourself in an uncomfortable situation. There is risk involved.

Making my way with more confidence, I came to a steep incline with boulders and deep crevasses. Stopping to assess the situation it became apparent it was definitely riskier, particularly with the snow covering much of it. After picking up a walking stick, saying "hello" to a raccoon (who had ventured outside), and accessing my progress so far, I decided to continue on my "trailblazing" ways. There was a point where I came to a crevasse that I would have to literally leap; after reviewing the options, the foot holds and my ability, I took that leap of faith - Taking me to the place where I could see the whole valley.

• Trailblazing involves constant evaluation of the situation so you can modify your approach and acquire the tools you may need.
• Believe in your abilities and convictions, sometimes there will be a "leap of faith". 
• You will see wonderful things on the way.

The return journey was not as technically challenging for my footing, but the snow had gotten deeper. The final part of my trek was just tiring, as knee high snow is a challenge to walk in but in the end, I got back to where I started. The air had refreshed me, I felt a sense of accomplishment, I saw some unexpected things and developed my hiking skills.

• Sometimes trailblazing is just tiring.
• It develops and reinforces your ability.
• You can see and experience wonderful things.
• You learn from trailblazing.

There you have it, my literal and figurative journey through the snow. As I was finding my way, I kept thinking of these words* -

On and on you will hike
and I know you'll hike far
and face up to your problems
whatever they are.
You'll get mixed up, of course,
as you already know.
You'll get mixed up
with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life's
a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left.
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed! 

Trailblazing advocates challenging yourself with the new and different. And in that, prepares for the people who will eventually follow in your foot steps. This is the birthplace of experience and wisdom.

gpe

* From the book, "Oh, the places you'll go" by Dr Seuss.

In search of creative problem solving... part two.

The following is the original and the rewrite can be found by clicking here.

About a month ago I started my search for creative problem solving with the brilliantly entitled blog post - "part one". To this post, my most favorite geophysicist commented, and I quote in part, " P.P.S.: Just to make sure you don't forget: You still owe us a definition for creative problem solving". ;-)". With that, I bring you the equally brilliant, "part two". "The devil is in the detail" they say and it is in this, that I believe light can be shed on creative problem solving; it is here want to spend some time on the word problem. I am sure this will help with my search and my obligation of a definition.

There are a wide range of emotions available to you (option alpha.com)

For the sake of getting us started, let's define a problem as, "a matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome". It is here I should add that problems tend to come with emotion attached; it tends to happen with something that is 
"unwelcome or harmful". I think I may be on to something here... let's go with it! 

Problems, by their very definition, bring feelings with them that fall into a wide spectrum of emotions such as fear, sadness, anger and frustration. If I use the following example, how many emotions come to mind? "You have a job interview at 10:30 am and you have left yourself ample time to get there... all of a sudden there is a multi-car pileup in front of you and traffic has come to a dead stop; no sign of movement for a while."* Let me offer a few that have come to mind:

• Angry because this happened to you on such an important day.
• Frustrated that the traffic is not moving and you will be late.
• Worried that this may impact the chances of getting the job.

Now, depending on the individual, these emotions may range from fleeting expressions to pounding violently on the steering wheel and openly sobbing - We tend to "humanize" problems  and offer them a very human and social response. Let's just suppose for a moment that problems are  in fact "human" - they would be totally indifferent, slightly twisted, sociopathic individuals, with a very creative sense of humor tossed in. At the very most, the response you would get to your pounding and sobbing would be a slight head tilt and small wry smile of recognition. Lucky for us, problems are not human and we don't have to socialize with them at parties. This is an important recognition in two respects: it helps us understand how to deal with problems more effectively and it helps me with my search for a definition.

Emotions are reserved for people, pets and maybe a couple of other things, but definitely not for "problems" - Dealing with problems is an intellectual exercise and should be treated as such. With this said, here are a couple of things for consideration:

• Emotions are extremely fatiguing, so much so, you may be too exhausted to work on the problem.
• Emotions distract and impact the thinking process.
• Emotions will not solve your problem.

I want to point out here that I am not saying don't be emotional**, but learning how to compartmentalize emotions when you are dealing with problems. I will be the first to say compartmentalization can be difficult but it can be done...

• Develop the mantra that problem solving is an intellectual endeavor.
• Put your problem down on paper; it becomes a "tangible inanimate object".
• As you verbalize the problem do not legitimize it with human characteristics or words of emotion.
• Involve other people. They will not hold any emotion with the problem and help with the intellectualization.

Well there you have it... by no means a definition for creative problem solving but knowing that dealing with problems is an intellectual exercise helps me get there.. Stay tuned for my brilliantly titled blog "part three". I wonder what my geophysicist thinks?

gpe

* We have all been there, and up front I will tell you I'm rather good at "screaming at the wind"

** Having emotions is one of the greatest gifts we were given as humans, so get the most out of them. Just focus them where it matters, that's all.