The theme of this year's National Day parade was a thought-provoking question: "What do you see?"

What an appropriate question to ask about an organisation's leadership pipeline! Recently I posed this very question to a HR director: "What do you see when you look into your organisation's Gen Y leadership pipeline?"

She candidly replied that she couldn't see anything - or anyone - in it! There was a conspicuous and worrying absence of a third or fourth tier of leadership that could be groomed for succession in the long-term.

This discovery alarmed her, for the organisation had gone all out to attract and retain young talent. Much investment had gone into attracting young scholars and high-calibre candidates. Yet, as we worked with this client, we saw that there were some gaping holes in the leadership pipeline that needed to be fixed. Only then would the losses be stemmed, and the ROI be realised.

What is perhaps more troubling is that this scenario is not at all unique. It is a very real situation that is happening across industries --- and in both the public and private sectors.

Can your organisation survive in Gen Y hands?

One question I am often asked is this: "Is this Gen Y thing just a temporary blip, an issue that will resolve itself in due time? After all, when Gen Ys mature, get used to the working world, and temper their expectations, won't things be 'back to normal?"

The bad news is --- I am afraid not. This Gen Y issue is not going to go away. In fact, if anything, this issue will only increase in proportion and magnitude, basically because Gen Ys are set to take over our organisations in the next 10 to 15 years.  

Today, Gen Ys, aged 26 and below, are only a minority in our organisations, working mostly at entry-level positions. Every year, more and more of them will populate our organisations. Over the next 18 months or so, some will reach middle management.

Consider this:

• Will we reach a point – horror of horrors! – when we find ourselves becoming a minority in 20 years' time?
• How will we as baby boomers and Gen X managers survive and lead in a Gen Y-dominated world?

And here's the most important, chilling question of all:

• Will your organisation, your brand, your core values, survive and thrive in the hands of Gen Ys?

The Real Challenge: Beyond Engaging Gen Y

Your task as an organisational leader, people manager or HR professional goes far beyond engaging Gen Y. I submit it to you that your task is to ensure that:

• Your Gen Y leadership pipeline is laid out and functioning properly
• Your organisation / department's core values are effectively transmitted to Gen Ys as more and more of them rise through the ranks and take over managerial functions
• Your organisation / department's assets, unique strengths and brand will be enhanced in the hands of Gen Y leadership --- instead of being diluted or deteriorating into something unrecognisable.

Diagnose, Design & Optimise your Gen Y Leadership Pipeline

To help our clients rise to the occasion and meet this challenge head-on, we at LifeWorkz have designed a course called "Designing Your Gen Y Leadership Pipeline".

What makes this different from other Gen Y programmes?

• It goes beyond the everyday pains of managing Gen Y, or even the year-round challenge of attracting and retaining Gen Y.
• It focuses on the important, long-range issues that is often overlooked in the midst of the tyranny of the urgent --- the often overlooked task of diagnosing and designing a holistic Gen Y leadership pipeline.

Through this course, you will:

• Discover the generational approach to leadership succession
• Diagnose the health of your Gen Y Leadership Pipeline
• Design and customise your Gen Y leadership pipeline to the unique needs of your organisation needs
• Measure the effectiveness of your Gen Y leadership pipeline
• Optimise your Gen Y leadership pipeline so that it works, and works well.

Just how much is at stake?

Perhaps it sounds like a lot of work to design and invest into a Gen Y leadership pipeline. So a fair question to ask would be: How much is a Gen Y leadership pipeline worth?

To answer that question, we would then have to ask: How much is your organisation's future worth?  How much has been invested so far?

Now here's the acid test: Imagine the future of your organisation in the hands of your latest Gen Y hire.

Does it make you shudder?

It should.

Because that's what a good reality check does.

LifeWorkz – the leading Gen Y Expert in Asia

At LifeWorkz, we don't tell our clients what they wish to hear. We tell them the truth, even when it is hard to bear, so that they can take pro-active steps to shape the future, today.

Not only are we constantly listening to our clients' needs, but with an eye on the future and being informed by the latest global research, we are pre-empting what our clients need and providing the solutions even before they ask.

Only LifeWorkz --- the leading Gen Y expert and consultant in Asia -- offers a comprehensive suite of Generational Solutions.

Consider our full range of our Gen Y solutions:

• Understand them: 'Decoding Gen Y' programme for managers and educators
• Orientate them: 'Welcome to the Workplace' on-boarding programme for new Gen Y employees and fresh graduates
• Attract and Retain them: 'Career Clarity' programme for Gen Y employees who have been with your organisation for nine months or more
• Secure Your Organisation's Future: Design a Holistic Gen Y Leadership Succession Pipeline

 Find out more about our comprehensive solutions by emailing us at Solutions@LifeWorkz.org!

 Don't like what you see in your leadership pipeline?
Do something about it --- Today!
Cheryl

p.s. Don't give in to the temptation of accepting a half-hearted, piece-meal approach to tackling the Gen Y issue. There is simply too much at stake!

Invite Cheryl Liew-Chng to speak at your organization!

Need a speaker for your company event? Need cutting-edge training for your staff? With the LifeWorkz team, there is never a dull moment! Contact LifeWorkz today!

All our programmes can be conducted in-house and customized for your organization.

Or you can send your staff for an open or 'public' programme when it is available.

Either way, email us today at Solutions@LifeWorkz.org to indicate your interest!