Are you hip enough for Gen Y?

Gerry McCartney, the CIO and vice president of IT at Purdue University in Indiana, said it is time for IT executives to connect with the younger generation. He told the New York Times, in a recent article, that leading Gen Y, bringing them into line and managing expectations is important for IT execs. "A winning tactic I've found useful is to constantly state flat out that if they do these certain things, they are going to be successful," he said. "Then when they do those things, you must give them immediate feedback and, if you can, reward and salute them then and there."

He advises that the old performance model of an annual review is not enough. Instead, he advises CIOs: Tell your younger employees when they have done well, and explain the 'why' of things. He also suggests instilling responsibility and providing goals for projects.
He doesn't address issues relating to Facebook or other social networking sites. But clearly, it is time for you reach out to Gen Y if you have not already. 

For more CIO leadership advice:
- see this NYTimes.com article

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