Reasons why I’d rather work with Millennials
Millennials have been getting a bad rap lately. They’ve been labeled with laziness, poor work ethic, and narcissism. As the mother of two Millenials, I disagree. I see potential in their many redeeming qualities, such as forward-thinking, tolerance, and creativity. They are the fresh new blood transfusion this world so desperately needs. I believe this generation will lead us to a much better future. Here’s why.
THEY THINK BIGGER
Connection Tethering: Because they grew up with technology, they’ve developed a perspective outside themselves. This creates the potential for a single voice while maintaining deep inner connectivity. Inventing various trendy online movements, they’ve also recreated how people share thoughts, news, and headlines. And they are more socially, civically, and globally minded.
Evolving normal: They’re reinventing the workplace by challenging how business is conducted — shifting to a less formal structure by eliminating cubicles, morphing the brick and mortar, and dropping the business suit. They drive innovation and change through crowd-based interaction, leaving traditional companies scrambling to piece together their buying habits and brand preferences.
Spiritually rounded: This group stands up for liberal and ethical causes. Even though they may be stepping away from traditional religious practices, they accept the truth in all religions without embracing any particular one. They crave equality and are moral agents in any situation.
Solution-oriented: They look outside the box for alternatives to old-school strategies. They build online communities and support systems to enhance creativity, growth, and self-discovery. This ability to be transparent will help them become better future leaders as they will be more inclined to find ways to understand themselves and others.
THEY ARE BOLDER
Entrepreneurial-minded: They are resourceful and have a unique way of looking at something and seeing what could be. Because they don’t blindly accept or put weight on previously held beliefs, they can envision a better product or service. And by questioning the validity of everything they’ve ever been told, they shift the potential of the human spirit.
They Lean In: Millennials are intrinsically motivated and enjoy the creative process of personal and professional development. They don’t want to be managed but coached. Coaching is about asking questions to facilitate eureka moments where the “aha” bulb gets switched on, lighting up new neural pathways and forging unique ways of thinking. In the past, organizations have relied on consulting, which is the act of giving advice based on experience.
Horizontal ladders: The future of organizational structures will look more like canopies or lattices. This generation wants to earn a decent living doing a meaningful job, but it must align with their needs, values, and moral codes. In contrast to someone holding a specific individual job that may require doing the work of two to three people, Millenials focus on hyper-specialization careers with a big push to develop or work for specialized companies.
THEY ARE BENEVOLENT
Collaborative: They are team-oriented and foster an inclusive environment that thrives on fairness. With higher self-confidence, they easily park their ego at the door. If they don’t, their peers will call them out.
Work/Life balanced: They know how to de-stress because they value work/life balance. They are content and happy, and make their work environment fun. Although they prefer flextime, they can work better in chaotic situations or when facing deadlines. That’s because they are more adept at using multitasking abilities and technology to get things done faster and more efficiently.
Diversity-driven: What was considered a social outcast in the past is now very hip and widely accepted. They’ve dropped facades which is a refreshing way to embrace everyone as they are with labeling the differences.
Environmentally passionate: They care about the planet and work toward responsible behavior by living more eco-friendly. They are passionate and empowered to rid the world of people’s destructive and wasteful habits. Either through environmental causes, modeling the way, or filming documentaries about large corporations who violate the use of earth’s limited resources.
What do you think? Is this generation our only hope for a better future?
(BTW — I’m an entrepreneur geek who has successfully owned a few small businesses over the last 25 years. Now my passion is helping leaders take the right steps toward living a stress-free, balanced, and rewarding life. And I like to be followed @pamnurrie).
