Management 101: Mentoring Generation Y

Right from the mouth of babes – or should we say, from the mouths of those who know best? Listen to the younger generation’s advice on how to manage and coach them most effectively, and you’ll notice a key common denominator: When it comes to finding job satisfaction and excelling at their career, the responsibility is not theirs alone.

“When managing people my age, older generations sometimes have to give us room to grow in the industry, not just treat us as another ‘ant in the farm.’ I think establishing clear-cut, achievable goals is important to people my age, and leading by example.” --Nick Gerace, 25, head grower, Growing Westwoods/Welby Gardens

“A person who is happy or feels at peace at a place will stay longer, is often dedicated and does a quality job. In short, teach the people you mentor or manage, and let them see your passion … they will surely want to follow in your footsteps.” – Gladys Opiyo, 34, grower specialist, Timbuk II Plant Company

“Employers that offer an environment that fosters creativity, flexibility and growth are those that hire and keep young talented professionals. The draw for many of the people in my generation is not just compensation but all of the ‘benefits’ that are offered outside of the traditional benefits package.”  -- Jessica DeGraaf, 32, program manager, Hort Couture

“I think that the best way for older individuals to manage/mentor my age group is to find their strengths and their interests and use their skills to better our industry, whether it is increasing the use of technology in your greenhouse structure or maybe increasing the use of social media marketing.” – Chrissy Hipshier, 32, grower, Hortech