14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding in Content, Flow, and Design, May 2, 2003
This review is from: Employing Generation Why? (Hardcover)
Employers and educators-parents, too-are befuddled by the younger generation. So, what's new? We've had that condition for generations. Ah, but this generation is quite different than anything we've encountered in history. Today's young people seem to be wired differently, making them more difficult to understand and work with. This book will lift the fog, increasing your insight, appreciation, and skill to more effectively tap this powerful resource.
The book is divided into three sections. In the first part of the book, Chester explains Generation Why's traits, values, and perspectives-the good, the bad, and the ugly. Readers will gain valuable insights into a generation that will have a tremendous impact on the workplace and on society. This section of the book is well-constructed as a sort of stream of consciousness that will hold your attention as your knowledge expands.
The second section is filled with information and advice for employers. You'll learn about recruiting, training, managing, appearance, fun, recognition and rewards, and retention in bite-size pieces. The design of this book is quite appropriate, as it fits the way your mind must work if you are to be successful in connecting with Gen Why. And that takes us to the third section-ways to connect...and disconnect...with these unique individuals.
Now the fine points. This book delivers useful information, but it also provides interpretation. You learn and you understand after reading each section. The consistent format aids in absorbing the volume of knowledge presented in these pages. Call-outs will help scanning readers grab the high points, but don't be surprised if they pull you into the text looking for more.
Reading a book with this much detail can be overwhelming. In these cases, I find myself wishing there were some kind of a summary or explanatory index at the end of the book. Bullet points would remind me of what I'd read and help me "get" the major concepts without wading through all the text again. Chester has done us all a big favor by presenting such an executive summary, chapter by chapter, at the end of the book. You can actually start at the end of the book to get an overview, then dig into the details.
This book is designed for efficient use, as well as an effective vehicle to deliver a considerable amount of information. There are no guarantees that you'll be totally successful working with Gen Whys after absorbing this book, but you'll be miles ahead of those who haven't read it yet.
Side note: as a consultant and speaker, I address generational issues in my work. Even with my prior knowledge, I gained quite a bit from Chester's work and will confidently recommend it to all my clients who might employ these young people. Come to think of it, that would be all my clients. Employers, teachers, parents, preachers-read this book!
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Highly Insightful and Very Entertaining, March 27, 2002
This review is from: Employing Generation Why? (Hardcover)
Books about generational differences tend towards one of two poles: informative but not particularly interesting or interesting but marginally informative. Employing Generation Why is an exception. The author's insights into the real differences between Generation Why and those older is based on years of first-hand experience and research. This is not abstract, academic theory. But Chester does a great job of making his insights engaging and entertaining. His vivd illustrations are memorable, and he clarifies murky subject matter with easy-to-understand charts and graphics. Whether you're an employer who needs help managing a new generation at work, or simply a parent or concerned adult who wants to make more sense of what kids are dealing with today, this is a book well-worth reading.
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Uncovering a dynamite workforce...the TEENAGER, March 26, 2002
This review is from: Employing Generation Why? (Hardcover)
This book is for ANYONE who has kids or who employs kids. It is insightful, enlightening and filled with new information about a very tough subject. Eric Chester has found the solution to reaching this incredibly intricate generation. He takes you on a journey through the mysteries of the teenage mind. Mr. Chester outlines numerous ways to avoid those tough roadblocks and gives you the keys to unlocking a talented commodity. Dynamic, fast paced and filled with genuine wisdom I give EMPLOYING GENERATION WHY? a 5 star rating! Encore!!
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