Leadership Model For Gen-Y

Nov 14, 2014 1 Min Read
Alt

LDR-PDF-downloadPhoto credit (above): Scott Maxwell | Flickr

What’s the best model of leadership to influence and engage the Gen-Y employees in our organisation?

To answer that, let’s start by looking at what they value. While there has been no conclusive research done, these are some of the important things that have been widely observed (in no particular order):

  • Work-life balance.
  • Good boss.
  • Fun and open culture.
  • Cool office.
  • Good compensation package.
  • Quick career progression.
  • Opportunity to travel for work.
  • Proper tools and training for the job.
  • Bigger responsibilities.
  • Freedom to make decisions.

Essentially, if we categorise it, there are two things that they are looking for:

  1. People who will believe in them and empower them.
  2. Being able to work in an environment that is engaging.

The first leadership model or style that addresses the empowerment issue is by being democratic.

Gen-Y employees believe they have something valuable to contribute. They do not necessarily expect that all their suggestions would be accepted, but they want to be heard.

The second model is pace setting. Here, a leader needs to create exciting goals and encourage the employees to challenge themselves.

It creates a sense of adventure and also a bigger purpose that Gen-Y employees will find attractive.

The third model is coaching. While Gen-Y employees are quite capable, they also acknowledge that there are things that they don’t know.

They respond well to coaching rather than being lectured or scolded. They prefer it if someone comes alongside to guide them on how to improve as opposed to being left alone to figure things out.

Using these three models will ensure more influence and better engagement with Gen-Y employees.

Share This

Leadership

You May Also Like

hr monitoring employees performance

How to Empower HR in the Digital Age: 7 Insights for 2025 (Part 2)

By ANGGIE RACHMADEVI. Continuing our coverage of the HR Tech Conference & Expo 2025 series, this second installment dives deeper into how HR can evolve and lead in today’s fast-changing digital landscape.

Jul 04, 2025 12 Min Read

Alt

Want A Promotion? Take Ownership At Work Now

Nigesh Armon, COO & CTO of Leaderonomics Digital discusses the advantages of embracing an ownership culture, which leads to increased employee engagement and reduces the likelihood of attrition.

May 31, 2023 38 Min Podcast

Be a Leader's Digest Reader