Why “One Size Fits All” Leadership Styles Actually Fit None
Have you ever tried on a garment labeled “one size fits all” and thought, “Uh, really?” Well, over the years I’ve found the term “one size fits all” doesn’t translate any better in management than it does in tank tops or Halloween costumes. And yet, leaders often fall into the trap of trying to manage […]
“We Didn’t Give Ourselves the Trophies” — Millennials
If I had to vote for the most unfair cliché to describe the supposed problem other generations have with millennials, I’d say it’s the concept of young people being the “trophy generation.” Although many of today’s twenty- and thirtysomethings did receive trophies and praise more than other generations, here is why I believe the stereotype […]
Managing Millennials Q&A: Why Isn’t My Mentee Reaching Out?
Note to readers: This is the sixth post in my new series based on questions I frequently hear about managing millennials — those ongoing management challenges that can really make or break workplace relationships. Each month I’ll tackle a question and provide some advice for managers and millennials (and, of course, millennial managers). I hope the […]
Multigenerational Workplace Challenge: Develop Healthy Conflict Resolution Skills
Disagreement in the workplace is inevitable, particularly when you are passionate about what you do. Add in generational differences and discord can become all but certain. But here’s the thing: Conflict needs to be respectful. Always. Losing your temper or being overly stubborn can mar your professional image. Mastering the art of healthy debate and […]
What Do Millennials Really Want in a Work Environment?
Modular furniture? Bike rooms? Relaxation spaces? I’m often asked what millennials most want in a work environment, because there is so much conflicting information. New trends seem to arise every day: Open plan offices were all the rage among employers, until people realized they can be noisy and distracting. Working from home was going to […]
ICYMI: My Post on Helicopter Parents Struck a Chord
Wow. People feel strongly about helicopter parents in the workplace. It seems my July 26 post on helicopter parents in the workplace definitely resonated. I enjoyed reading each and every comment and thought I would share a few of them in case you missed the lively discussion… Twitter Buzz on Helicopter Parenting I appreciated […]
Corporate Too Casual? Men Wearing Shorts to Work
If there’s one multi-generational work topic that never goes out of style, it is surely the question of appropriate work dress codes. And, summer…I’m looking at you. In fact, The New York Times ran an article Aug. 2, 2017, titled, “Blame the Millennials? For Men, Shorts at Work Is a Thing.” Two things struck […]
Helicopter Parents in the Workplace: It Happens and It Needs to Stop
The concept of helicopter parents buzzing around the workplace, just like they hovered and swooped on the elementary school soccer field, sounds like a joke. No doubt you’ve heard of this phenomenon — parents sitting in on interviews or calling to re-negotiate a child’s compensation package. NBA recruit Lonzo Ball has recently received a ton […]
Managing Millennials Q&A: What Benefits Do Millennials Really Want?
Note to readers: This is the fifth post in my new series based on questions I frequently hear about managing millennials — those ongoing management challenges that can really make or break workplace relationships. Each month I’ll tackle a question and provide some advice for managers and millennials (and, of course, millennial managers). I hope […]
Generation Z: What Every Employer Needs to Know
While millennials in the workplace have dominated our thinking about generations for years, we are learning more every day about their successors: Generation Z. Now is officially the time to get serious about Gen Z (the generation born approximately 1998 and later), especially if you hire interns or entry-level employees. The good news is that […]