I know that being a parent of 4 Gen Y boys that you need to deal with them differently from people from my generation (the baby boomers).

In dealing with Gen X workers, we need to realize that it is much more important for the boss to be a mentor or coach to their Gen X employees than just the “BOSS”.  If not, you will lose these workers extremely fast.  We also need to realize that Gen X are not wrong in this approach, but rather, this is what is important to them.  If we try to change them, we will fail.

For Gen Y workers, they have more of an entitlement mentality due to receiving trophies from simply participating in sports as kids and receiving stuff from their parents instead of time.  When they enter the work force, this transition from college can be tough on them.

They are more willing to accept authority, however, they are not really compliant.  They are results oriented, not process oriented.  Also, we need to realize that this generation grew up communicating more by text than face to face.  Therefore, it is unrealistic to restrict or eliminate their use of e-mail and texting. 

They want a coach and to be part of a successful team.  Make sure to be that coach for them.