Managing Generation Y

[Lollygaggers]

I'm going to try to tread carefully here . . . I'm a mid-20s desker, and I'm growing increasingly frustrated with the management styles I have encountered so far. My biggest problems have come from a lack of feedback, a lack of motivational skills and a lack of innovation. I know there is something to be said for being self-motivated (which I feel like I am) and pressing your own ideas (which I have), but it seems like there is a disconnect with a lot of managers and my generation. I'm just curious what some of my fellow Gen Y journos have encountered out there, and also how some veterans (especially managers) view our generation. Fire away.

 

[buckweaver]

Lack of feedback is something you'll have to learn to deal with -- that's been a problem in this industry since, well, forever. You'll get 100 negative responses before you get a thank you, both from coworkers/bosses and readers. It's called "having a thankless job" (and yes, I'm a desker, too.)

Lack of innovation? Umm, send a note to Sam Zell. He seems to have some ideas about that.

(On a serious note: this isn't a generational thing. The culture of this biz has a lot more to do with it than anyone's age. If you're young, it's new to you. ... It's not new.)

 

[Songbird]

i'll write more tomorrow when i'm on my laptop. you sure you want the straight poop?

 

[Bubbler]

Gen Y? Why?

 

[JakeandElwood]

Xan, I'm interested in if he's not.

 

[IGotQuestions]

Lack of feedback is something you'll have to learn to deal with -- that's been a problem in this industry since, well, forever. You'll get 100 negative responses before you get a thank you, both from coworkers/bosses and readers. It's called "having a thankless job" (and yes, I'm a desker, too.)

Lack of innovation? Umm, send a note to Sam Zell. He seems to have some ideas about that.

(On a serious note: this isn't a generational thing. The culture of this biz has a lot more to do with it than anyone's age. If you're young, it's new to you. ... It's not new.)

well said.

 

[cranberry]

Oh sweet Jesus.

Feeling a little under-appreciated, are we? People not running with your great ideas, perhaps? Boss not consulting you before making key decisions? Not sensing an openness to your innovation?

Why don't you call your mom?

 

[kleeda]

Umm, have the hounds been unleashed yet?

 

[Bob Cook]

Lolly, if you haven't noticed, your generation is getting a lot of bad press for being the most spoiled, whiny bunch of high-maintenance brats to ever enter the workforce. Then again, these cracks are often made and written by baby boomers, so you can say it takes one to know one. :)

Every young employee feels like he or she doesn't get enough feedback, and that his or her brilliant ideas keep getting shoved into the memory hole. My first piece of advice (as a sterotypically cynical Gen-Xer) is get over yourself. No manager is going to respond if he or she thinks the employee (young or not) in question is a whiny pain-in-the-ass and clearly more interested in himself or herself than the interest of the publication. It annoys me if a reporter tells me my job is to help make him or her better. No, it isn't. My job is to put out the best publication possible, and my interest in your improvement rests on that.

Also, if you're presenting your innovative ideas like your new and exciting stuff is the most brilliant thing ever developed and is going to throw aside what those old farts do, prepare for the old farts to kick you out the door. Equal and opposite reaction, you know. Before you present an idea (and, by god, don't kiss yourself to say it's innovative), ask yourself -- has my publication tried this before? If not, why not? If it did, what happened? What are the resources required to make this idea work? Is this an idea readers will respond to?

Even the fartiest old farts, such as the direction I'm heading, are willing to help someone out who is sincere and thinking of the good of the publication. If it's somebody who acts like they need special treatment or is doing this with one foot out the door, for better or worse, it ain't happenin'. Remember, the love you take is equal to the love you make. (Old fart Beatles reference -- your bosses will love that!)

 

[Frank_Ridgeway]

Before you present an idea (and, by god, don't kiss yourself to say it's innovative), ask yourself -- has my publication tried this before? If not, why not? If it did, what happened?

Yeah, that's key. And it isn't just young employees who do it. Stick around and you will see failed innovations tried again 10 years later. Some of the middle-age folks running newsrooms have never bothered to learn anything about the history of the business in general or their publication in particular. Really, you have microfilm in the news library. At least take a look at where the paper's been over the past four decades before you reinvent. It really won't take that long.

 

[spaceman]

hey kid, get me a cuppa coffee will ya? half and half, two sugars. And get a Pick Three for me on the way back, you know my numbers.

 

[armageddon]

I'm going to try to tread carefully here . . . I'm a mid-20s desker, and I'm growing increasingly frustrated with the management styles I have encountered so far. My biggest problems have come from a lack of feedback, a lack of motivational skills and a lack of innovation. I know there is something to be said for being self-motivated (which I feel like I am) and pressing your own ideas (which I have), but it seems like there is a disconnect with a lot of managers and my generation. I'm just curious what some of my fellow Gen Y journos have encountered out there, and also how some veterans (especially managers) view our generation. Fire away.

Gen X member here...

When I was young, like you, I started out as a part-timer. After my first few months on the job I took the initiative to call my immediate editor and ask for a lunch sit-down to go over my clips.

I wanted feedback on my reporting, writing, ideas, etc. The editor, a great guy, was stunned I took that step.

After the shock wore off, we met and talked about my performance to that point. It was a great session for both sides.

He didn't avoid giving me feedback because he couldn't relate to me. First, he was busy as hell. Second, I'm a self-starter so he felt he didn't have to worry.

As others have said, it ain't a generational issue.

As for how I view the younger generation of today, I can't go there unarmed.

 

[BigSleeper]

Oh sweet Jesus.

Feeling a little under-appreciated, are we? People not running with your great ideas, perhaps? Boss not consulting you before making key decisions? Not sensing an openness to your innovation?

Why don't you call your mom?

Perfect.

 

[Barsuk]

Maybe you're not getting any positive feedback because you're lollygagging around. And you know what that makes you?

 

[Lollygaggers]

Lack of feedback is something you'll have to learn to deal with -- that's been a problem in this industry since, well, forever. You'll get 100 negative responses before you get a thank you, both from coworkers/bosses and readers. It's called "having a thankless job" (and yes, I'm a desker, too.)

Lack of innovation? Umm, send a note to Sam Zell. He seems to have some ideas about that.

(On a serious note: this isn't a generational thing. The culture of this biz has a lot more to do with it than anyone's age. If you're young, it's new to you. ... It's not new.)

I guess that's part of my question, too. Why does this have to be such a thankless job? I know I'm not the only one who sits around sometimes annoyed that we never hear anything back constructive from our bosses, and I know my generation isn't solely guilty of that either. And so what if I or anyone else feels a little underappreciated? Is it wrong to expect a little appreciation? I work hard every day, but a little pat on the back every once in a while would make me work even harder, as I think it would a lot of people. There are managers out there who are good at this, but it seems like they're few and far between.

 

[SF_Express]

Lack of feedback is something you'll have to learn to deal with -- that's been a problem in this industry since, well, forever. You'll get 100 negative responses before you get a thank you, both from coworkers/bosses and readers. It's called "having a thankless job" (and yes, I'm a desker, too.)

Lack of innovation? Umm, send a note to Sam Zell. He seems to have some ideas about that.

(On a serious note: this isn't a generational thing. The culture of this biz has a lot more to do with it than anyone's age. If you're young, it's new to you. ... It's not new.)

I guess that's part of my question, too. Why does this have to be such a thankless job? I know I'm not the only one who sits around sometimes annoyed that we never hear anything back constructive from our bosses, and I know my generation isn't solely guilty of that either. And so what if I or anyone else feels a little underappreciated? Is it wrong to expect a little appreciation? I work hard every day, but a little pat on the back every once in a while would make me work even harder, as I think it would a lot of people. There are managers out there who are good at this, but it seems like they're few and far between.

Again, not to excuse it, but this has been going on basically forever.

This is a very fast-paced business, and with the Internet, the pace is picking up. AND you still have the regular hard print deadline to deal with.

It's as simple as this: People are on the move from one thing to another all day, and there's not a lot of time to stop and smell the roses, so to speak.

The odd thing about the news business is that it's the ultimate "no news is good news" business. If you're not hearing a lot of criticism and they're giving you a check regularly, THAT's positive feedback.

Beyond that, I love armageddon's idea: Schedule some time with your boss to find out how you're doing.

 

[Some Guy]

Lack of feedback is something you'll have to learn to deal with -- that's been a problem in this industry since, well, forever. You'll get 100 negative responses before you get a thank you, both from coworkers/bosses and readers. It's called "having a thankless job" (and yes, I'm a desker, too.)

Lack of innovation? Umm, send a note to Sam Zell. He seems to have some ideas about that.

(On a serious note: this isn't a generational thing. The culture of this biz has a lot more to do with it than anyone's age. If you're young, it's new to you. ... It's not new.)

I guess that's part of my question, too. Why does this have to be such a thankless job? I know I'm not the only one who sits around sometimes annoyed that we never hear anything back constructive from our bosses, and I know my generation isn't solely guilty of that either. And so what if I or anyone else feels a little underappreciated? Is it wrong to expect a little appreciation? I work hard every day, but a little pat on the back every once in a while would make me work even harder, as I think it would a lot of people. There are managers out there who are good at this, but it seems like they're few and far between.

Again, not to excuse it, but this has been going on basically forever.

This is a very fast-paced business, and with the Internet, the pace is picking up. AND you still have the regular hard print deadline to deal with.

It's as simple as this: People are on the move from one thing to another all day, and there's not a lot of time to stop and smell the roses, so to speak.

The odd thing about the news business is that it's the ultimate "no news is good news" business. If you're not hearing a lot of criticism and they're giving you a check regularly, THAT's positive feedback.

Beyond that, I love armageddon's idea: Schedule some time with your boss to find out how you're doing.

Don't most of us have some sort of evaluation once a year? There should be plenty of feedback inherent there.

 

[armageddon]

Lack of feedback is something you'll have to learn to deal with -- that's been a problem in this industry since, well, forever. You'll get 100 negative responses before you get a thank you, both from coworkers/bosses and readers. It's called "having a thankless job" (and yes, I'm a desker, too.)

Lack of innovation? Umm, send a note to Sam Zell. He seems to have some ideas about that.

(On a serious note: this isn't a generational thing. The culture of this biz has a lot more to do with it than anyone's age. If you're young, it's new to you. ... It's not new.)

I guess that's part of my question, too. Why does this have to be such a thankless job? I know I'm not the only one who sits around sometimes annoyed that we never hear anything back constructive from our bosses, and I know my generation isn't solely guilty of that either. And so what if I or anyone else feels a little underappreciated? Is it wrong to expect a little appreciation? I work hard every day, but a little pat on the back every once in a while would make me work even harder, as I think it would a lot of people. There are managers out there who are good at this, but it seems like they're few and far between.

Been in the business for nearly 25 years now.

Legit pats on the back MIGHT equal that number.

Yet my passion hasn't waned. (No, I'm not sucking up to a certain SE from Orlando ;D)

If I can go to sleep at night -- or at 3 a.m. -- knowing I served our readers to the best of my ability that day, well, that's fine with me.

If you're only in your 20s and already feel unappreciated, view yours as a "thankless" job and are already getting worn down by it, Lord help you in this business.

I mean that sincerely.

Journalism isn't youth soccer where everybody gets a trophy just for playing (ie: working hard).

Sometimes, more often than not, we have to push ourselves day after day.

Think folks who cover an MLB team or an NBA team as their primary beat get lots of pats on the back during the season? Unlikely. Yet they keep grinding away because that is what they do, what we do.

This biz is in terrible shape these days. The job can be a *****. But the rewards can be tremendous, if you have the stomach.

 

[armageddon]

Lack of feedback is something you'll have to learn to deal with -- that's been a problem in this industry since, well, forever. You'll get 100 negative responses before you get a thank you, both from coworkers/bosses and readers. It's called "having a thankless job" (and yes, I'm a desker, too.)

Lack of innovation? Umm, send a note to Sam Zell. He seems to have some ideas about that.

(On a serious note: this isn't a generational thing. The culture of this biz has a lot more to do with it than anyone's age. If you're young, it's new to you. ... It's not new.)

I guess that's part of my question, too. Why does this have to be such a thankless job? I know I'm not the only one who sits around sometimes annoyed that we never hear anything back constructive from our bosses, and I know my generation isn't solely guilty of that either. And so what if I or anyone else feels a little underappreciated? Is it wrong to expect a little appreciation? I work hard every day, but a little pat on the back every once in a while would make me work even harder, as I think it would a lot of people. There are managers out there who are good at this, but it seems like they're few and far between.

Again, not to excuse it, but this has been going on basically forever.

This is a very fast-paced business, and with the Internet, the pace is picking up. AND you still have the regular hard print deadline to deal with.

It's as simple as this: People are on the move from one thing to another all day, and there's not a lot of time to stop and smell the roses, so to speak.

The odd thing about the news business is that it's the ultimate "no news is good news" business. If you're not hearing a lot of criticism and they're giving you a check regularly, THAT's positive feedback.

Beyond that, I love armageddon's idea: Schedule some time with your boss to find out how you're doing.

Don't most of us have some sort of evaluation once a year? There should be plenty of feedback inherent there.

Sheeeeeeeeeeet.

Haven't had a review this ****ing century, despite the fact they are contractually mandatory.

 

[SixToe]

I guess that's part of my question, too. Why does this have to be such a thankless job? I know I'm not the only one who sits around sometimes annoyed that we never hear anything back constructive from our bosses, and I know my generation isn't solely guilty of that either. And so what if I or anyone else feels a little underappreciated? Is it wrong to expect a little appreciation? I work hard every day, but a little pat on the back every once in a while would make me work even harder, as I think it would a lot of people. There are managers out there who are good at this, but it seems like they're few and far between.

Grow some thick skin and deal with it or get over it, or you'll eat yourself inside out.

Coffee black, one sugar. And pick up some Boston creme filled, too.