FACE News Makeover
You’ll notice some changes in FACE News from this month forward.
 
In response to your requests, FACE News is changing slightly. It’ll be shorter, with quick tips from everyone on the FACE Team. Most people want a quick, punchy and entertaining newsletter, so that’s exactly what you’ll be seeing from now on. Same great content! Same enthusiasm! Same FACE Team!
 
Every month, we will also have a theme and this month's focus is on Gen Y – who they are and how they communicate.
 
Enjoy!
 
 
FACE UP 2 GEN Y
by Mike Francis
 
Who remembers a time in history when one generation was singled-out, studied, analysed, advertised, labelled and talked about like the Gen Ys? I can’t. Why is there so much emphasis and expectation for us to understand this group of the human population; especially in the work environment? The simple fact is this: Those businesses that proactively engage and effectively communicate with Gen Y will dramatically increase their chances of business success! Those that don’t can expect the opposite. Let’s find out why.
 
Gen Y is larger than the Baby Boomers and a whopping 3 times the size of Gen X. They’re confident, relentless, inquisitive and hi-tech. They’re financially savvy, entrepreneurial and not afraid to take risks. They are the emerging leadership of the business world and they have a style all of their own. They also have a sense of urgency and expectancy that causes the older generations to fluctuate between infuriation and fear.
 
However, there’s a lot to like and welcome about Gen Y. They are a generation that respects the wisdom of their elders (despite their constant questioning). At this time in their lives (generally speaking), they welcome leadership. They want to be a part of the team. An equal part. Given the right mentoring, Gen Y will thrive in your business and, subsequently, your business will thrive as well.
 
When it comes to FACE styles and communicating with Gen Y, is it any different to other generations? Yes, there are some variables; but on the whole it’s largely the same. The same principles of FACE are found in Gen Y as in any other group of people. It IS necessary though, to factor in the generational characteristics when conversing with them.
 
By the year 2020, just about every business and organization will have more Gen Y employees than any other generation. Many will have a Gen Y at the helm. Now is the time to FACE up 2 Gen Y. Welcome them! Because, ready or not, here they come! Actually, it’s more like “Here they are!”
 
Incidentally, we offer specialized training, coaching and consultancy for organisations and individuals who need help in becoming more ‘Gen Y friendly’. If you would like to find out more, simply send us an email to enquiry@facematrix.com.au and tell us what you need. We’ll be back in touch in just a day or two.
  
 
Feel the FACEs
First, we feel; then we think.
 
To those of you who are not quite so familiar with the mindset of FRIENDs, it is important to understand that the dominant influencer on our communication is our feelings. There is much truth in the saying that “FRIENDs feel first and think second”. Our immediate response to any given stimulus is to note how we feel about it. We’re also sensitive to how you might feel.
 
The Gen Y FRIEND is exactly the same. Only, when it comes to expressing themselves, they may be willing, but at the same time experience frustration at not being able to find the right words. Interpersonal skills are not generally a strength of Gen Y’s.
 
Bye for now. 
 
 
Facts Matter
Please be patient… we’re processing!
 
Based on the look on their faces; after you’ve finished talking to the Gen Y ANALYST, do you ever get the feeling that they haven’t understood a word you have said? Well, whilst it may in fact be quite possible that your feeling is a valid one; as with ANALYSTs from any generation, please understand that they need time to process. When they speak (perhaps even minutes later), you will know for certain if they have understood or not.
 
Until next month…
 
 
The Bottom Line
Any later than now is TOO late!
 
It’s no secret that CONTROLLERs are somewhat impatient from time-to-time. In my opinion, it’s usually for good reason. Anyway, just so you’re prepared; when a Gen Y CONTROLLER is in that impatience space, it can be downright ugly! Just up above, Frennie (the FRIEND) commented about the Gen Y’s challenge with interpersonal skills and when you combine that with impatience… well… that’s what I mean by “ugly”.
 
That’s it. Goodbye. 
 
 
Speak Up!
Imagine me with even MORE energy!
 
It’s probably no secret that I’m not a Gen Y. If the truth be known, I arrived in one of the early waves of Gen X. But even after all these years the spirit of fun and excitement still courses through my mind and body 99% of the time. I’m totally convinced that our capabilities are umbilically linked to our attitude. That’s what I love about Gen Y ENTERTAINERs… most of them have an attitude like mine and twice the energy reserves!
 
All of you business people out there, if you have Gen Y ENTERTAINERs in your organisation, make sure you provide them with ways and means to put all that energy to good use. If not, you better start thinking about recruitment.
 
See ya. WOOHOO!!!
 
 
FACE of the Month (FREE download)
“We’re impulsive, spontaneous (sometimes scarily so), turbo-charged, rash, brash and prone to the occasional crash.”
 
Which FACE am I?