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Scarlett Letter #130: Are you reading those Linkedin group discussion posts?

I’m in the process of finishing an article entitled: Expand Your Business Development Team;  Leverage your firm’s multi-generational talents! Just like any reliable consultant/writer, my final piece will integrate insights from two sources, where I’ve: 1. Witnessed first-hand from real-life design and construction clients;  2. Researched/read about the particular area (in this case, multi-generational workforce).

Yet, today’s post is not about that upcoming article. Instead, I’m writing to express my appreciation towards one of my LinkedIn Discussion Groups—Managing a Multi-Generational Workforce.

You see, like many of you, I belong to a number of discussion groups and other social media connectors. And, also like many of you, I grapple with the best way to filter the content (and, sometimes, let’s face it…the noise!) in order to find kernels of wisdom that will aid in my ability to provide quality consulting services to my AEC clients.

While I’m finalizing the above-mentioned article, the topic of multi-generational anything piques my interest.  So when this morning’s slew of emails included an update from my LinkedIn group “Managing a Multi-Generational Workforce”, I decided to give it a serious look-see.

Today’s topic began with this question**: I’m giving a speech to an association of women accountants about managing Generation Y. What are the most often asked questions on this topic?

I loved the string of answers, as they spanned the gamut. Not only did the nine respondents cite the questions they are typically asked, but they also provided additional fodder for consideration. And, {while some of the respondents were slightly self-promoting} I was impressed by everyone’s willingness to share generously and with sincerity.

Bottom line message for today’s post: To ensure there’s not too much noise to muddle through, let’s be particular about what we follow/sign up for/etc. (What a shame if we are receiving so much noise that we ignore the goodies!) BUT, once we’ve carefully selected what makes most sense for us to best grow our businesses and serve our clients, then let’s stay highly attuned to the content that comes our way.

**Here’s the full discussion string, in case you, too, are interested in this topic. However, just in case you can’t read the link as a non-member of the discussion group, I’ve pasted their sample questions offered, not including their additional details/commentary for how to answer the questions.

• *Why do Millennials/Gen Y’s come to the workplace with such high expectations about promotions, being included in decision making and transparencies?
• * Why do they ask so many questions (often at inconvenient times)? How can we best deal with this?
  * Why do they text or send e-mails to people next door or down the hall?
  * Why do they seem to need much more guidance than the generations before them?
  * What will keep them engaged?
• *How can we leverage their immense talents to help us achieve our strategic mission?; and How can we use their ‘hidden dimensions’ to assist in creating alternate decision options?
• *Don’t you think that texting and Facebook are destroying young people’s ability to communicate face-to-face and build lasting relationship?
• *Why don’t they get that it’s not all about them?
  *How can I balance their high need for feedback with the multitude of things I need to do?
  *What do I do if our company doesn’t have the career progression that they are looking for?
  *What ’s the best way for me to guide them on what they need to do differently to be successful?
• *How do I get my Gen Y’ers to work well with my BabyBoomers and Greatest Generation types?

           

Tags: aec linkedin groups, aec multi-generational workplace, Anne Scarlett A/E Marketing, design and construction linkedin groups, discussion groups as research source, expanding marketing team through multi-generational talent, linkedin, linkedin discussion groups, monitoring discussion groups for aec, monitoring social media for aec, multi-generational workplace for design and construction, professional services marketing, professional services sales, Scarlett Consulting AEC business development

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