Employing Generation Why?

by Eric Chester

This perceptive, direct, and provocative book provides readers with an in-depth look into the mindset of the 68-million post-X generation. Learn what leading-edge companies are doing to get the most from this talented, but misunderstood segment of our population. The familiar scenarios and insightful solutions provide readers with hundreds of usable strategies for getting the most out of Generation Why. Employing Generation Why contains 11 comprehensive chapters on topics Recruiting, Training, Managing, Recognition & Rewards, Appearance, Employee Retention, and Making the Workplace More Fun. It also identifies the “8 Sure-Fire Ways to Connect with Generation Why” and the “7 Ways to Immediately Disconnect with Them.” Written in a conversational, anecdotal, prescriptive, and easy-to-follow style, renowned Generation Why speaker and author Eric Chester is causing the business world reevaluate its employment and management practices, and is showing it how to reinvigorate its businesses for growth by making them Why2K Compliant.

224 pages, Hardcover

First published July 14, 2002

About the author

No one has a better understanding of the emerging workforce than Eric Chester. He is the premier expert on school-to-work transition and developing the core work ethic of teens and young adults. As an in-the-trenches professional, Eric has personally addressed more than two million high school and college students, authored nine books for teens, and has kept dialed-in to the mindset of this burgeoning generation.

Described by his audiences as “riveting,” “mesmerizing,” “electrifying,” Eric’s speaking style is compelling, thought provoking, and—most importantly—behavior-altering. He connects easily with his audiences through humor and anecdotes that he customizes for each client.

Having addressed more than 2000 audiences from a plethora of industries over the past 20 years, Eric’s Reviving Work Ethic programs are fluid, teeming with information and strategies, and impeccably aligned with innovative multimedia technology that visually reinforces tools, concepts and solutions. Whether your event requires a 60- to 90-minute keynote, a half-day workshop, or a full-day seminar, Eric will fully engage your group. They will, in turn, walk away highly motivated to implement his actionable ideas in their organizations to develop work ethic.

Reviews

[Andrew ✝️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eric Chester has set up a beautiful image of what going to work should be like. Unfortunately, I don't think any of my bosses have ever read this book. If they have, they probably have thrown it in a fire because none of mine have ever taken a suggestion found in this book. It's a sad truth that 'abuse of power' exists, and yet bosses get away with it left and right. Again, it's a beautiful image, the suggestions found in this book. I've yet to see it actually be put to use, though. A lot of bosses are rude and obsessed with the money and the numbers, and if you don't pretend to think that the business is more important than anything else, you're dispensable, replaceable. Sadly, in comparing this book to jobs I've held, it almost felt like I was reading about a parallel universe. I didn't read this book in one sitting, but it was a very easy read. It's written for a different generation, but I still found myself feeling like this author didn't hold a very nice opinion of people younger than him. I find myself shaking my head occasionally, but there are a lot of people younger than me that have a good work ethic. I'm assuming the author may have based his opinion on some of the 'bad eggs' that make the rest of a generation look bad. Shrugs.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a very good book. As a "Generation Why" I felt very much insulted by this book. The portions I found useful, in my experience, are also valid strategies with any other generation, not just the generation in question. I do understand the authors view point, and I understand that this book was written in the early 2000's when my generation was, at the most, working part time while still mostly in highschool.

[Tisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read for work.