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The art of finding and managing
teenage techies
By Jennie
L. Phipps • Bankrate.com
 A
good place to find techie teens -- besides your local high school
-- is at 4-H, which has a Youth Technology Corps in some areas.
To find the local group, go to the 4-H
site and click on "Local 4-H Links." You might also try asking
your local Small Business Development Authority. On the Small Business
Administration Web
site, Locate your state, then follow the links.
Managing teens can be a bigger challenge than
hiring them. Those who are committed to hiring teens say that it
can only work if you are flexible and respectful of their individuality.
The 4-H's Wayne Hulehan, educational consultant Bonita Blazer and
others suggest these guidelines:
- Treat the teens as equals. Talk down to
them and you've lost the war.
- Lay out your expectations clearly in the
very beginning. Let them know what must be achieved and who's
going to benefit.
- Be prepared for how candid teens can be.
Expect some tactless criticism -- it goes with the territory.
- Recognize that teens aren't going to put
your job at the top of their list of obligations. Don't put all
your eggs in their basket, because you are very likely to be disappointed.
- Give them room to be creative. One of the
best things about hiring teens is their ability to see things
differently.
- Be willing to let them teach you a thing
or two. Remember, humility is a blessing.
-- Posted: June 18, 1999
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