Generation Y Characteristics Confident Participation Convergence credibility uncertainty “pursue happiness” international mac vs pc american wikipedia famous adolescence reality TV “express yourself” international basketball single sports iTunes american idol Online facebook iraq war relationships two incomes Associative global Wireless Mentoring feedback dating automation cell phones continuous partial attention high school Leadership dream job Mobile Confident piercings opportunity simplicity value systems technology Facilitation Social Movements feedback Participation Individuality team orientated “you can do anything” Blogs impacting Generation Y problem solvers 911 determination “stand up for yourself” terrorism helicopter parents iPod passion college online Convergence Characteristics government “respect yourself” Video interactive lifestyle competition environment micromanagement Collaboration Mobility internet Opportunity family easily bored equality safety Open RSS Direct web 2.0 karate Google Adaptable seeks mentors personal planner Data Driven connected job environment Diverse myspace “just be yourself” Productive instant guitar hero be respectful praised bureaucracy soccer camp Instantaneous expectations democracy conform

This presentation has been developed for the benefit of those who desire to better understand common characteristics of Generation Y and who are interested in positively facilitating their transition into an intergenerational workforce. The presentation identifies common characteristics of the generation, as a starting point, in order to understand the motivations of employees and for the benefit of developing strategic and tactical approaches to disconnects between generational values and business needs. The presentation makes use of generalities and may not represent everyone. We invite anyone with edits, updates or inputs to this presentation to post them as comments at http://www.opennasa.com. The content of this presentation will be continually updated in an attempt to be as inclusive and representative as possible.

There are over 70 million people in the US belonging to Generation Y.

Births (in thousands) Birth Year Baby Boomers Gen X Gen Y Birth rate v. birth number - double check what the definition is. Birth Year

25% Generation Y is currently ~ of the US workforce, and is projected to be ~47% of the US workforce by 2014.

Internet 9-11 The Iraq War Gen Y Formative Events Technology Gaming Google youTube Daily Show SpaceShipOne iTunes eBay CD’s The 2000 Election Crisis Columbia Accident Internet Southpark Columbine Starbucks Gen Y Formative Events Amazon.com 9-11 mac vs. pc Gaming Terrorism Simpsons abu ghraib Reality TV Technology Challenger Accident Blogging The Iraq War Online Shopping Franchises Cable Napster MTV Celebrity Scandals Oprah Global Warming

These and many other formative events shaped their view of the world.

Many describe this generation as:

a generation that is individualistic Generation Y is more individualistic than earlier generations and seeks autonomy in their opinions and behavior.

a generation that is team-oriented Many in Generation Y enjoy working in groups where they can share their ideas and talents.

a generation that is confident Generation Y was raised with advice such as “anything is possible”, to “follow your dreams”, to “be what you want to be”, to “pursue happiness,” and to “just be yourselves.”

a generation that is ambitious … and ambitions grow stronger for those that attend college. Technical excellence is a starting point and is inherently assumed.

a generation that is expecting Expectations arise from absorbing the culture and environment around them. Many have high expectations for salary, job flexibility, lifestyle, technology, and the future.

a generation that is “famous” More opportunities for ordinary people to find and audience on the internet or on reality TV shows. Generation Y tends to be very comfortable with social interactions.

a generation that is open Generation Y is more willing to share feelings and personal information. Opportunity linked to willingness to share online.

a generation that is direct Generation Y will give and expect honest feedback.

a generation that is empowered Generation Y was encouraged to pursue happiness, follow their dreams, and embrace individuality. They have a strong sense of responsibility.

a generation that is wired & wireless Generation Y enjoys the convenience of communicating electronically and wirelessly. Yet, many are equally concerned about privacy.

a generation that is global Generation Y grew up in and interacts with a world that is connected, accessible, interactive and open.

a generation that is mobile Work at the office, the coffee shop, the hotel lobby, or the airport. Always on the move.

a generation that is independent For many, childhood filled with instability, unpredictability, and uncertainty. Many do not have an expectation for lifetime employment.

a generation that is information rich Many get bored or frustrated if the information flow is poor or too slow. Continuous partial attention and multi-tasking may be a result.

a generation that is associative Many are attracted to large social movements and are civic or mission minded. Many value associations and relationships in making decisions.

a generation that is instantaneous Generation Y is used to giving and receiving information immediately. Anything is just a Google search away.

a generation that is always “on” Their networks and conversations don’t “end.” Many are comfortable blurring the lines between work and life.

a generation that is impatient Many raised in an environment and conditioned for “instant gratification.” Sometimes unrealistically so.

a generation that is adaptable Generation Y is quick to cope with complexity and can adjust accordingly.

a generation that is diverse Generation Y is a diverse group in many ways including race, religion, and lifestyle.

here a generation that is …and is already having a large impact on the workforce!

This generation has a lot to offer the workforce. It is…

a generation that can absorb discontinuous information and make meaning of it.

a generation that can leverage their optimism for a better future.

a generation that can use tools and create technology to change the world in new ways.

a generation that can cope with extreme complexity.

a generation that can provide energy and insight into process and system improvements.

a generation that can be extremely productive and supportive, if engaged.

a generation that can negotiate diverse or international situations well.

a generation that can innovate and communicate in new and distinctive ways.

“Failure” for many in Generation Y is: Not pursuing an opportunity; not trying Not effectively managing school, work, and life balance Not being true to oneself; compromising integrity Not succeeding; not being challenged Being “normal”

Expectations for the work environment: Being valued and engaged Appreciate open communication and feedback Value diversity and globalization Flexible, informal, decentralized work environments Like team atmospheres Measured on results, not time spent on the job Follow leaders based on credibility Not necessarily afraid of losing their job Like to learn by hands-on opportunities Openly talk about career paths and options Desire the workplace to be fun

Thoughts for Generation Y: Understand and respect other perspectives Seek out mentors Use technology to make the job easier Set goals. Take risks. Ask to be involved Strive to understand the system Be willing to compromise Share your success and enable others Volunteer, Invest, Network Smile If all else fails, wear a suit

Thoughts for Employers: Understand and respect other perspectives Offer to be a mentor Create custom career paths Remember how the previous generation misunderstood you Allow for a collaborative, participatory environment Provide an opportunity to learn by doing Develop interactive training Encourage skill development Allow for flexible, personalized work environments Involve others in the “big picture”

General Content: Based on the “Generation Y Perspectives” Presentation, 2007; http://www.opennasa.com/files as well as numerous interviews, books, articles, blogs, and websites. Some content adopted from “Generation Me” by Jean M. Twenge, Ph.D, 2006. Cover art inspired from: http://kosmar.de/archives/2005/11/11/the-huge-cloud-lens-bubble-map-web20/ Advice: Gathered through various research, discussions, and observations Additional Reading: http://www.mccrindle.com.au/resources.htm http://www.gonzaga.edu/Campus-Resources/Offices-and-Services-A-Z/Alumni/GAMP/Managing-Generation-Y.asp http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/worklife/06/04/balance.burnout/index.html?iref=mpstoryview Original presentation given at the International Space Development Conference, May 29 - June 1 2008. Last updated: 09 June 2008