Posted by: Lisa Boester on Tuesday, September 30, 2008

I want to acknowledge your insight on the article regarding Gen Y. I can't resist responding. As a coach for high functioning adults with ADHD, I talk to many talented, gifted, insightful and incredibly motivated people many of whom will attend to our government, our health, and our financial futures. I get many, many emails and calls from college students in the 21 - 35 year old age range who may or may not have ADHD, but are looking to get a handle on their futures. Much of the time, it really is the archaic approach of their employers that are the boulders in the path both ofr the company and the employee. One just needs to read The World is Flat or The Coming Dark Age to get a snapshot of what is to come. Often, my clients and those who contact me are in positions that serve as a bridges to micro test the environment within their chosen field while in graduate programs. They seek to find their unique space, and I say space with great intention. It is the space they own in their work environment that gives focus to their individuality. It's where they show up as their unique selves. When employers recognize that, the impact is amazing. When their inherent passion and strengths are acknowledged, it opens the door for innovation and bottom lining. Bottom lining, a much needed tool in our often bogged down companies is their natural way of communicating. They are accustomed to speed where communication is involved. What a gift to those employers who are savvy enough to see it and incorporate it in their plan for business continuation in the age of technology gone wild. In coaching, we say where we put our attention is what grows. With not a lot of energy around mundane tasks in general for this generation (obviously for my clientele, even less) creating a way of injecting energy and personality into the repetitive, less exciting tasks attached to all jobs, is something they tend to be particularly resourceful at. Who better to create new ways of doing things that meet the needs of their generation during their stay and serve the company for future Gen Y employees. Great advice for employers Ron.