Top 4 Tips for Successfully Working with Young People: Expert Interview Answers

Are you looking for guidance on how to effectively work with young people in the workplace? Look no further! In this blog post, we'll be sharing tips and insights from experts on how to successfully lead, mentor, and support young employees. These tips are based on in-depth interviews with experienced professionals who have a track record of working successfully with young people. Whether you're new to managing young employees or just looking to improve your skills, these expert interview answers will provide valuable guidance and inspiration. So, if you want to get the most out of your young team and create a positive and productive work environment, read on!

One of the keys to successfully working with young people is showing a genuine interest in their development and success. This means taking the time to get to know your team members, understanding their goals and aspirations, and providing support and guidance to help them reach their full potential. According to an article published by Forbes, building trust and rapport with your team is essential for creating a positive and productive work environment.(Forbes, 2021) When young people feel that their manager cares about their growth and success, they are more likely to feel motivated and engaged in their work.

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In addition to building trust and rapport, demonstrating a genuine interest in the development and success of young people sends a message that you value their contributions and recognise their potential. This can be especially important for young employees who are just starting out in their careers and may be looking for guidance and support as they navigate the challenges of the workplace. As a manager, you can provide this support by offering regular feedback, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for learning and development.

Creating a collaborative and inclusive work environment is crucial for success when working with young people. A workplace culture that values collaboration and inclusivity helps to foster a sense of belonging and encourages young employees to feel comfortable sharing their ideas and participating in team discussions.

There are several benefits to creating a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

1.First, it can lead to increased productivity and innovation. When team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas and collaborating with others, they are more likely to come up with creative solutions to problems and generate new ideas. This can lead to improved efficiency and effectiveness in the workplace.

2. Second, a collaborative and inclusive work environment can help to build stronger relationships and improve communication among team members. When everyone feels included and valued, they are more likely to build strong working relationships and feel comfortable seeking help and support when needed.

3. Finally, a collaborative and inclusive work environment can contribute to a positive and enjoyable work experience for young people. According to a report by the Harvard Business Review, a positive work culture can lead to increased job satisfaction and can even have a positive impact on an employee's overall well-being.

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An expert interviewee shared an anecdote about the importance of fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment: "I once worked with a team where the manager made a point to include everyone in discussions and decision-making. It made such a difference in the way we worked together. We were able to come up with much better solutions and everyone felt like they had a stake in the success of the team. It really made all the difference."

Encouraging young people to take risks and try new things is an important part of helping them grow and develop in their careers. While it's important to establish clear expectations and boundaries, it's also important to create an environment where young employees feel comfortable taking calculated risks and trying new approaches.

There are several benefits to encouraging risk-taking and innovation in the workplace.

1.  First, it can lead to increased creativity and problem-solving skills. When young employees feel empowered to think outside the box and try new things, they are more likely to come up with unique and innovative solutions to problems.

2.  Second, risk-taking and innovation can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among young employees. When they feel that their ideas and actions have the potential to make a real impact, they are more likely to feel invested in the success of the team and the organisation.

3.  Finally, encouraging risk-taking and innovation can help to foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement. When young employees feel that it's okay to try new things and make mistakes, they are more likely to be open to learning and growth.

Helping young people understand how their work fits into the larger goals of the organisation is an important part of building their sense of purpose and motivation. When young employees understand the "big picture" and the impact of their work, they are more likely to feel engaged and motivated.

There are several ways to help young people understand the "big picture." One effective strategy is to provide regular updates and communication about the overall goals and priorities of the organisation. This can help young employees understand how their work fits into the larger mission and can provide a sense of direction and purpose.

Another effective strategy is to provide opportunities for young employees to participate in cross-functional projects or work with different teams. This can give them a broader perspective on the organisation and help them understand how different areas of the business work together to achieve shared goals.

Finally, it can be helpful to provide regular feedback and coaching to help young employees understand how their work is progressing and how they can continue to grow and develop in their careers. By providing regular feedback and support, you can help young employees understand how their work is making a difference and how they can continue to contribute to the success of the organization.

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An expert interviewee shared her thoughts on the importance of helping young people understand the "big picture": "When I was starting out in my career, I really appreciated when my manager took the time to explain how my work fit into the larger goals of the organization. It helped me feel like my work mattered and gave me a sense of purpose and motivation. As a manager, I try to do the same with my team. I find that when young people understand the impact of their work, they are more likely to feel engaged and motivated."

In conclusion, working with young people in the workplace can be a rewarding and enriching experience for both managers and employees. By following these tips and strategies, you can create a positive and productive work environment that supports the development and success of young people.

If you're a company looking to hire the right candidates to work with young people, consider using the recruitment services of IAPB (It's a People's Business). With a focus on finding top talent and building strong working relationships, IAPB can help you find the right candidates to join your team and contribute to the success of your organisation. Whether you're looking to fill entry-level positions or more experienced roles, IAPB's expert recruiters can help you find the right fit for your company. Don't wait – start building your dream team today with the help of IAPB's recruitment services.