The RPG (Role-Playing Generation)

What Business can learn from Gaming – Heledd Straker

At lot has been written and discussed about Generation Y and its use of social networking sites, but there isn’t so much at the moment on how businesses can gain insights into leading this cohort by observing how it uses other technologies, such as online role playing games.

While both MMORPGs (Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) and social networking sites are used by Generation Y to hold conversations and so build trust-based relationships, the method of communication is different. On the one hand, social networking sites are designed to manage relationships and span the bridge between online and offline communities. On the other hand, MMORPGs focus on completing tasks and building up one’s identity and skill set in a virtual world; but skills which can be transferred to the real world.

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Employing Youth – 10 things to never do

Employing Generation Y.

This list by Jim Taggart is one of the best example I have seen on how not to treat Generation Y in the workplace.
#10 – You’re the boss, and make sure that everyone knows it. Shared leadership is for sissies. Keep that ego well oiled
#9 – Speak to your staff through email; God forbid, don’t talk to them in person. What the heck is “Management by Walking Around?”
#8 – Keep your staff in the dark – keep ‘em guessing since it strengthens your hold on information and power
#7 – Don’t trust your staff’s judgement; you make all the decisions. After all, you’re the boss!
#6 – Constantly change your mind, leaving your staff confused as to what are the priorities
#5 – Have no sense of humor, especially not being able to poke fun at yourself
#4 – Laugh at others misfortunes or mistakes. Losers!
#3 – Micromanage your staff to death; double check everything they do, including rewriting their work reports, etc.
#2 – Assign tasks to staff that you would never consider doing yourself. If it involves, for example, having to deal with a known cranky customer or supplier, better have one of your subordinates do it.
Drumroll please…
#1 – Don’t stand behind your staff, even when they make a mistake; cover your own ass. Hey, people are expendable. What counts is your career advancement.