To attract and retain talent in the 20 to 40 age cohort, consider “Straight-A Management” – a formula found in Rebecca Ryan’s book: Live First, Work Second. (Note: Ryan’s firm, Next Generation Consulting, is a market research firm focused on engaging young professionals.)

Straight-A Management comes from David Richo’s book, How to Be an Adult in Relationships, and involves:

• Acceptance – being accepting of diversity among employees.
• Affection – creating a sense of affiliation & collegiality.
• Allowance – supporting employees’ professional aspirations.
• Appreciation – acknowledging employees’ contributions to their work.
• Attention – being attentive and accessible.

This people-centered management approach is consistent with the time-honored advice that “you must engage employees’ heads and hearts if you want to get the best from your people” and can be used effectively to engage employees of ALL ages.

Information courtesy of Quality Service Marketing’s Blog – Specializing in Internal Marketing & Internal Communications (www.qualityservicemarketing.blogs.com)