Hedley Lawson, Jr.

There is a new worker emerging in America today estimated to comprise over 20 percent of today's workers. Clearly driven by a distinguishably different set of values and a different work ethic, the new Emerging Employee represents new business challenges for today&rsquos business owners and managers. Interestingly, Emerging Worker attitudes are being adopted by people of all ages, professions and geographic locations, resulting in an evolutionary change in our workforce, not a revolution in the workplace.

'The present size of the Traditional workforce will migrate over the coming years. It is estimated that the Emerging Worker will account for more than 40 percent of the workforce in the Year 2010 and be the majority by the Year 2020. Clearly, companies who fail to understand the Emerging Worker will face a significant competitive hurdle. 

Staying 'Ahead of the Curve'
How you understand the dynamic of this evolutionary change and your respective employees may de­fine the degree of success you will achieve in the coming years.Several points that you may wish to consider as your workforce migrates to an Emerging Workforce include:

  • Create a "leader among peers" management attitude as opposed to the traditional "subordinate to employee" or "command and control" management style;
  • Create a "coaching environment" to grow empowerment and confidence, allowing an environment of greater independence as opposed to dependence on you or others by lab or practice management staff;
  • Capitalize on individual and team strengths, investing in and maximizing overall personal development and growth;
  • Continuously assess your lab or practice for 'Star Talent' or the talent areas of people for effective deployment within your business;
  •  "Hire for attitude, train for skills." Hire people who clearly bring a "whatever it takes" attitude and a sense of humor, not just someone who is waiting to be told what to do
  • Create a business environment of frequent, open, two-way communication to allow your employees to fully understand their growth opportunities...and for you to express your appreciation for their achievements.

The Emerging Employees offers fascinating opportunities and challenges for the optical industry. If you capitalize on your human assets to grow your business and your employees, you will find that they will enjoy more success and have much more fun...and so will you.

TRADITIONAL EMPLOYEES

are more likely to

 

EMERGING EMPLOYEES

are more likely to

Seek long-term job security. 

Reject job security as a driver of commitment.

Believe employers are responsible for career growth

 

Take personal responsibility for career growth

 

Less satisfied with their jobs

More satisfied and more challenged with their jobs.

 

Believe changing jobs often is damaging to one's career

 

Believe changing jobs often is part of one's career progression.

 

Define loyalty as tenure. 

Define loyalty as accomplishment

View work as an opportunity for income and a path to retirement

View work as a chance to grow personally and professionally


Hedley Lawson is the managing partner of Aligned Growth Partners, LLC, a strategic, operational and organizational consulting, and executive search firm (www.alignedgrowth.com).