Moxie Millennials by Linda Leontowich

While at the gym, I couldn’t help noticing the multi-tasking on the Stairmaster next to me. A young gal skillfully took out the ear plugs from her I-Pod to answer her cell phone, all the while smoothly maneuvering her progress on the uphill climb.  

“Always on 24/7” could be the theme song for the Gen Y group. Have you noticed how the majority feel a constant need to be plugged-in? You might say that the smartphone with games and text messaging was invented just for them. In fact, they were, so let’s not be too tough on them.  

After all, they developed their dependency rather innocently. In fact, most Gen Ys tested their eyesight by focusing on the Fisher Price logo at the tender age of six months. Gen Ys had crib toys with all kinds of electronic bells and whistles. Fast-forward 18 years later, and they crave “techno stimulation” because they were born into it. Unlike Gen X and a good many baby boomers, Gen Y is not intimidated by computers. In fact, if their work does not involve some kind of technology, they soon get bored. 

Gen Y, otherwise known as the Echo Generation, comprises individuals born between 1980 and 1995. The millennials are the offspring of the boomers. 

If you are making a presentation to Gen Y, make it entertaining. Get their attention by making your presentation inclusive. Unlike Gen X, Gen Y never had to compete for a handful of computers in the classroom. By the time Gen Y arrived on the scene, computer-to-student ratios had significantly improved.  

Take a good look at your youngest hires. Chances are that recent graduate, co-op student, or new intern is from Gen Y. As more of them enter the workforce, expect the environment to take on a different kind of ambience—a highly interactive techno-flavour. And here’s a hint. Whenever your organization embarks on an important project, consider including a couple of Gen Ys in your group discussions to get their unique and valuable perspectives.

Copyright© Linda Leontowich of Learn to Thrive Inc. 

Background Info: If you are feeling confused by the statistics on Canadian boomers, Gen X, and Gen Y, you are not alone. The span of years for each segment varies among Canadian demographers, authors, university professors, and futurists. Statistics from other countries, including the U.S. where boomers are individuals born between 1946 and 1964, adds to the muddle. For the purpose of continuity in our ezines, we will use demographic profiles by University of Toronto demographer and economist David Foot who made a convincing case in the bestselling book Boom, Bust, and Echo, co-authored with journalist Daniel Stoffman.