One of the most insightful and helpful books published for employers and businesspeople in the last while has to be 
“The ‘New’ Rules of Engagement” A Guide To Understanding and Connecting With Generation Y by Michael McQueen.
As a member of Generation Y, or the generation that is defined as being born between the early 1980′s and the late 1990′s, Michael McQueen is in a unique position to understand the mindset and skillsets of this generation entering the workforce. In his book, he contrasts the viewpoints and mindsets that tend to come from the various generations that are found in the business world today.
The pre-war “Builders”, the post war “Boomers” and the subsequent “Generation X’ers and Gen Y’s ” all have unique perspectives on many things such as work, performance, and lifestyle requirements. McQueen builds a solid platform of perspectives from each generation and then explains many of the ‘disconnects’ that occur when generations communicate with each other.
The book is absolutely loaded with insight for businesspeople and employers alike.
Topics covered help to explain:
Why does employee retention for Gen-Y staff tend to be limited to 17 months?
Why do Gen-Y’s need to feel challenged at work?
Why do Gen-Y’s seem to lack respect for authority?
McQueen points out very skillfully that Gen-Y’s do not automatically respect those in authority because they have seen many authority figures that have lost credibility in the media.
He points out that Gen-Y’s are concerned with ‘tangible outcomes’. They are intensely interested in a faster moving pace. Since they are a generation that has not had to wait long for anything in a fast-food, fast paced internet age, a challenging and faster moving pace is key to keeping their interest. They need to be challenged and relish the oppotunity to prove themselves and show they are capable.
McQueen’s book also sheds light on effective communication styles and ways of effectively engaging this young and highly talented group of people.
The book is an invaluable read for anyone in the business community who is looking to reduce turnover, retain talented staff, and better develop leaders in a team environment. To clearly understand, communicate, and work with this fast paced group entering the work force, McQueen’s book is a ‘Must Read’.
The book appears to be currently sold out at Chapters and Amazon!
Keep your eyes peeled…it IS that good a read!
- Peter Finnie