Engaging Generation Y - 19 Augut 2008

There's one big reason why someone gets promoted ahead of you even though you have better qualifications. There's also one big reason why a customer refuses to buy from you even though you've got the lowest prices. And there's certainly one big reason why your friends may go on more dates than you even though you're better looking. It's the same reason why Bill Clinton achieved sky-high approval ratings even though he was involved in one of history's biggest political scandals. It's also the same reason why Martha Stewart is now more successful than ever even though she was jailed for five months. And it's certainly the same reason why Kate Moss's modelling career is still phenomenally huge even though she was photographed taking illegal substances.

That reason is their likeability factor. Similarly, your personal likeability factor also has the power to transcend many challenges - especially with your Gen Y employees.

Whenever Gen Ys are surveyed, relationships always come up as one of the most important drivers for them at work. They want to have a manager that's a people-person. In essence, what they're looking for are managers with a high likeability factor.

Older generations, such as Gen X and Baby Boomers, tend to put up with bosses who aren't likeable because that's what they're used to, but Gen Ys won't tolerate it. They need to like their manager or else they're disengaged. So, how likeable are you?

• If you frown more than you smile, you're not likeable. Be happy.
• If you take more than you give, you're not likeable. Be generous.
• If you complain more than you praise, you're not likeable. Be positive.
• If you talk at rather than talk with, you're not likeable. Be friendly.
• If you know less about your staff than they do about you, you're not likeable. Be interested.
• If you're not in tune with your employees' emotions, you're not likeable. Be caring.
• If the person you are at work is just a facade, you're not likeable. Be real.

Master the likeability factor and your Gen Ys will be more loyal and engaged. Whenever someone tells you that management is not a popularity contest, tell them they're dreaming.

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