Better Communication with Gen X and Y - Modern Distribution Management

Log In

Better Communication with Gen X and Y


The work force is rapidly changing. Soon we will see a massive shift from the Boomers to Gen X in top management at distributors big and small.

It's not uncommon to hear distributor executives talk about how to attract the next generation of management-worthy workers into their companies. BusinessWeek, as part of a bigger package on the workplace, put down a few pieces of advice on how to better communicate and meet the needs of Generations X (born 1965-1980) and Y (1981-1994). The piece provides some good food for thought as the generational shift continues.


Here's the advice she offers:
 
With technology, keep it ...
Author
Date

The work force is rapidly changing. Soon we will see a massive shift from the Boomers to Gen X in top management at distributors big and small.

It’s not uncommon to hear distributor executives talk about how to attract the next generation of management-worthy workers into their companies. BusinessWeek, as part of a bigger package on the workplace, put down a few pieces of advice on how to better communicate and meet the needs of Generations X (born 1965-1980) and Y (1981-1994). The piece provides some good food for thought as the generational shift continues.

Here’s the advice she offers:
 
With technology, keep it up-to-date and be open to music, instant messaging and fast computers for Generation X; with Generation Y, be open to suggestions from them so you can stay on the cutting edge. In the compensation realm, the author suggests you must be willing to negotiate pay and schedule with Gen X. Limit in-person meetings with Gen X and avoid long planning sessions. Provide access to information without burdening them with corporate politics. With Y, don’t discount them because of their age -focus on the quality of their work, not seniority. Gen Y is less likely to be loyal to one company.

Read the column -which addresses technology, socializing, compensation and other issues –here.
 
How are you adjusting to the new face of the work force? What challenges do you face? Comment below.

Share this article

About the Author
Recommended Reading
Leave a Reply

Leave a Comment

Sign Up for the MDM Update Newsletter

The MDM update newsletter is your best source for news and trends in the wholesale distribution industry.

Get the MDM Update Newsletter

Wholesale distribution news and trends delivered right to your inbox.

Sign-up for our free newsletter and get:

  • Up-to-date news in a quick-to-read format
  • Free access to webcasts, podcasts and live events
  • Exclusive whitepapers, research and reports
  • And more!

2

articles left

Want more Premium content from MDM?

Subscribe today and get:

  • New issues twice each month
  • Unlimited access to mdm.com, including 10+ years of archived data
  • Current trends analysis, market data and economic updates
  • Discounts on select store products and events

Subscribe to continue reading

MDM Premium Subscribers get:

  • Unlimited access to MDM.com
  • 1 year digital subscription, with new issues twice a month
  • Trends analysis, market data and quarterly economic updates
  • Deals on select store products and events

1

article
left

You have one free article remaining

Subscribe to MDM Premium to get unlimited access. Your subscription includes:

  • Two new issues a month
  • Access to 10+ years of archived data on mdm.com
  • Quarterly economic updates, trends analysis and market data
  • Store and event discounts

To continue reading, you must be an MDM Premium subscriber.

Join other distribution executives who use MDM Premium to optimize their business. Our insights and analysis help you enter the right new markets, turbocharge your sales and marketing efforts, identify business partners that help you scale, and stay ahead of your competitors.

Register for full access

By providing your email, you agree to receive announcements from us and our partners for our newsletter, events, surveys, and partner resources per MDM Terms & Conditions. You can withdraw consent at any time.

Learn More about Custom Reports

Request a Market Prospector Demo

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.