The big boys, the Fortune 1000 companies, still do not get it. Recently, I was invited to attend an ‘Idea Jam’ — a big meeting where everyone brainstorms together to come up with some really cool ideas. The facilitator show us a power point slide with three questions, each one marked Q1, Q2 or Q3. Then he told us to look break into teams and try and answer one of the questions. He wanted us to follow the following process: write 10 or so proposed answers or solutions on index cards, then share your answers with your teammates and then come up with a final list of 5 ideas.

Well, since I am a baby boomer trying to learn about Gen Y, I partnered with 3 recent college graduates. I noticed each of them had (and were the probably the only ones in  a room of 30 + people) lap tops. Each one had a look of confusion when it came to thinking about how to use the index cards. Each one decided to type their list on their lap top. Within minutes, the facilitator reminded them to the use the index cards.

I just sat there and watched the events before me. First of all, when dealing with Gen Y, don’t tell them what process they should take. Just tell them the goal and the desired outcome. Let them decide how to get there. Secondly, don’t ask them to use an old school technology like index cards (which are probably only used these days for learning another some vocabulary or reading mom’s old recipe).

If only the facilitator had asked Gen Yers if his recommended approach to the brainstorming session made sense or had told them that the desired outcome was 5 recommendeds from the Idea Jam.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Dec 12 (MARKET WIRE) –  Peanut Labs, Inc., provider of unmatched Gen-Y sample for market researchers, today announced the results of its Gen-Y holiday shopping survey, in which America’s influential 13- to 25-year-olds share their shopping intentions for the holiday season. Overall, has indicated their spending will be up slightly, with specific purchase intentions beyond gaming systems pointing to evolving technology brand preferences.

Holiday Spending Report

Peanut Labs Research

I have had several people ask me about helicopter parents.

Here is what Dr. Carolyn Martin has to say in chapter 4 of Millennial Leaders.

“Gen Yers are still a huge latchkey generation, but their parents are much more involved. You’ve heard about “helicopter parents” who hover over their son’s or daughter’s every decision? What courses should they take? What positions should they apply for? What 401-K plan should they sign up for? I don’t have a problem with savvy parents offering savvy advice to young adults. My concern is with “paratrooper parents” who don’t just hover; they swoop down and intervene. They’re writing the resumes, going on interviews, fighting with managers about their child’s less than stellar performance evaluations. That’s not real caring; that’s caretaking. And it not only delays maturity, but it weakens problem-solving and decision-making abilities. The managers of the world would love it if the Baby Boomers would just back off and let these young adults make their own mistakes, fight their own battles, negotiate their own terms, and learn from the process.”

Here are some other great resources on the topic:

Make Room For Daddy……..And Mommy: Helicopter Parents Are Here!  by Judith Hunt

Do Helicopter Moms Do More Harm Than Good by ABC News

Putting Parents in Their Place:  Outside Class by the Washington Post

Helicopter parents hover when kids job hunt

Y-Talk Radio Debuts on December 19
Thursday December 13, 6:02 am ET

Bea Fields and Roger DeWitt Announce the Premiere of Y-Talk Radio on Blog Talk Radio

SOUTHERN PINES, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Bea Fields joins Roger DeWitt to announce the debut of Y-Talk Radio (http://millennialleaders.com/ytalkradio.html). Fields and DeWitt will co-host the show dedicated to watching Gen-Y succeed. Y-Talk Radio will be dedicated to presenting interviews, stories, and information designed to help Generation Y - born between 1977-2000 – gain access to the information they need to achieve personal success in college, career and in the business world. In affiliation with Blog Talk Radio, the station will be broadcast live and will be available via RSS feed to over 500 + blogs. The first show is set to premiere on December 19, 2007.The first show, scheduled for December 19 at 6:30 p.m. ET, features an interview with Duke University sophomore Ann Fields on how to get into the Blue Devil School. This first show is a must-listen for any student, parent or educator wondering about admissions to Duke. Listeners will be on their way to the front of the line at one of the USA’s most competitive and prestigious schools.

Bea Fields is an executive leadership consultant and the President of Bea Fields Companies, Inc. and is a co-author of Millennial Leaders (http://MillennialLeaders.com), a brand new book presenting the most impressive success stories from among Gen-Y. The book is available through both Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com. Roger DeWitt is a business consultant and the CEO of Coaching NYC, Inc. as well as a working actor. His television acting credits include Law and Order and Rescue Me. He’s also appeared live in productions of the Phantom of the Opera, Jekyll and Hyde, Ragtime, and the Woman in White.

Natural entrepreneurs with adventurous spirits, members of Generation Y are just now making an impact in business and in the culture at large. In addition, as the first group to grow up immersed in media culture, they have a distinctive way of ordering their lives. The programs will show Generation-Y members how to use these qualities to propel them to ever-greater success.

For more details about the Y-Talk Radio visit http://millennialleaders.com/ytalkradio.html