What’s the benefit of hiring young employees? They can bring fresh ideas and talents to your small business. And by providing them with the right direction and support, you will bring out the most of their abilities and also give them the space to learn and grow.
To find out more, we asked members of YEC Next the following question:
Q. What is the best way to tap into the skills of younger employees?
1. Provide an open, collaborative environment
I make sure that everyone on my team knows they can ask questions—any question. Confidence is often the first thing someone needs when they’re tackling a new endeavor. Being resourceful builds knowledge and forges the path of learning how to take initiative, which is an essential element for personal and professional growth. When they’re collaborating with the team, they know they have support. —Angela Delmedico, Elev8 Consulting Group
2. Be hands-on for the start and finish
Start a project together and give clear direction and guidance on the outcome that needs to be produced and what needs to be done. Then back up and let them work, making sure they know you are there to help answer any questions along the way. Guide them at key milestones so they’re on the right path. Then get back together to review and finalize the work. —Todd Giannattasio, Tresnic Media
3. Guide, don’t micromanage
When managing employees, including younger generations, it’s essential to establish the framework of the working environment. To ensure younger employees have a balance of structure and agency, collaborate on outlining project objectives and then brainstorm ideas on how to achieve them. Then, within those parameters, let them show you how they can reach your overall goals using their unique skill sets. —Kyle Wiggins, Keteka
4. Delegate, supervise, and encourage
Younger generations need an opportunity to showcase their capabilities and contributions, but they also need supervision to keep projects in line with the company goals. Supervision helps you to discover hidden skills; additionally, it allows you to see where an employee might grow within a role and beyond. Performing tasks by themselves will help them overcome everyday challenges. —Jessica Baker, Aligned Signs
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5. Give them a title
A great way to get younger generations to give their all is to give them a meaningful title and make them feel important. When they feel in charge of something, it’s more likely that they’ll try harder to do a good job because it’s under their control and their reputation is on the line. They will still need to report to you, but giving them a title for a specific responsibility is a good idea. —Ajmal Saleem, Suprex Learning
6. Set joint goals
Set goals and objectives that are shared between yourself and each individual. Your tasks will be mainly compliance and approval, but it will feel like a team effort. Most younger people and millennials appreciate teamwork over being bossed around and are very responsive to rewards or positive comments. —Jose Magana, Yellowberry Hub
7. Let them do what they know best
It makes sense for employers to feel wary about giving too much power to their young employees. While young people are eager to work, there’s still a lot they have to learn. But certain aspects of modern business are better suited for them, one example being social media. Young people use these platforms as if it’s their native language. They should be empowered to manage what they know best. —Bryan Driscoll, Think Big Marketing, LLC
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