People Are People

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Everyone in the organization, from the Veteran up to the Gen Y, demands for respect, fair competition, good leaders, rewards, etc. But the question is how managers would be able to deal with these needs of each generation that will match their preferences. Gen Ys would be happy to have flex time and telecommuting, while everyone will enjoy paid leaves and extended vacation. Boomers may view social events as obligations while this idea would be appealing to the Gen Ys. Train them differently; classroom type for the first two while interpersonal, social network type for the last two. Keep communication intact for all, Boomers prefer face-to-face while it’s okay for Gen Xs to have it written. Feedback is important most especially to Gen Ys. Veterans and Boomers follow chain of command while it’s democratic for the Gen Xs and Ys who expect everyone to contribute equally. Being able to address employees’ needs based on their generation can avoid conflict and confusion in the workplace. Reality check, these instances actually exist. But having them handled well will create harmonious relationship among others.

According to Don King, “People are my most important asset. Faith in the supreme being, trust, credibility and performance are the things that have brought me to the top.” Behind a successful manager are the staffs who strive and give their best given that they are trusted and well compensated. Managers should always take into consideration that they have feelings too, be able to look into their hearts and minds and understand the way they think and feel. Accept them fully and give them the chance to succeed. “Working on people’s personalities as a route to getting the best out of them has enormous benefits. It works with what comes naturally. It develops their unique gifts for others. (Gener, 2012)” Each person, from ones to the nines, from the Boomers to the Gen Ys, needs to be treated differently but reasonably. As the saying goes, it’s not going to be easy but it’s going to be worth it. After all, hard-earned success lies on these two: the managers and the subordinates.