Michael C. Hyer is a former publicist who now leads a human capital firm, Novations.  He is also co-author of a book, “The Power of Inclusion.”  He is to address the issue of leading with authenticity in a global work environment.

Arthur Page principles he wants to stress are:

• Listen to the customer
• Manage for tomorrow
• Realise a company’s try character is expressed by its people

Peter Drucker said leaders spend more than half of their business day in communications situations.  Business days are basically communications situations that have an impact on people.  Yet before today very few leaders have taken that seriously.   Yet an organisation cannot perform to its maximum until people fully understand the company’s mission, vision and strategies.  It’s all about moving people to action.

Insights into today’s workforce:

• 21 year olds today have played 10,000 video games, spend 10,000 hours on the phone and have received 250,000 emails or text messages. 
• MySpace visits in 2006 exceeded 100 million and it started only in 2003. 
• Today’s leaders will have 10 to 14 jobs by their 38th birthday. 
• 50% of 21 year olds in the USA have created content on the web. 
• 1 of 2 workers have been with their current employers for less than 5 years.  (Source: Did You Know Video)

Companies are driven by cost efficiencies and that’s leading to a true global economy. Skills required that enable you to work and communicate effectively with people whose world views are unique - you need to meet the localised needs of people, while remaining true to yourself. 

When trying to nurture people in the workforce, we see through generational filters:

• Traditionalists (Born 1922 to 1943)
• Baby Boomers (Born 1943 to 1960)
• Generation X (Born 1960 to 1980)
• Millenisals (Born 1980 to 2000)

This poses problems for companies - as Baby Boomers are retiring and plan to retire.  How is the intellectucal capital these people have being saved and passed on?  This is crucial as clients are more and more demanding.

Lots of insights into the differences between the generations - one of interest is that Baby Boomers believe work comes first and socialisation/relationships come second.  For Gen X people the most important is the relationship.  Work is a social connection and the task is secondary.