As a millennial in the digital workplace it always catches my attention to hear or read advice that people give on how to engage or retain millennials. The tips given below are wonderful (and I appreciate the Star Wars reference). So without further ado here is our final piece in our Ving Knowledge X10 series with 10X Management. ENJOY!
Millennials, or America’s youth born between 1982 and 2000, now number 83.1 million and represent more than one quarter of the nation’s population according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Their size exceeds that of the 75.4 million baby boomers. It’s crucial as the workforce changes that all of us (Boomers, Gen Xers, etc.) welcome the millennials and work to co-create with them.
Read what Huffington Post contributor, Jamee Tenzer has to say about how to work with millennials in, May the Millennial Workforce be With You! (in 5 Easy Steps). We pulled some takeaways from the article below.
Here are a few tips to utilize the millennial workforce:
1. Accept the disturbance in the Force (and welcome it.)
“It’s just human nature. What we expect is what we get. If you are expecting millennials to be selfish, lazy and lacking in social skills, you may see some examples of those behaviors. Our minds love to be right even when they are wrong. Expect the best of the millennials in your workforce and you will see more of their strengths,” states Tenzer.
2. Welcome them aboard the mothership.
When you resist change, life gets hard. Millennials are knocking at the door and they are bearing gifts. Let them collaborate and contribute to the greater mission suggests Tenzer.
3. Learn their language.
Tenzer explains, “And thank your lucky stars that their language is “technology” and not “Tatooine.” As our first generation of technological natives, Millennials are able to skip over the “learning curve,” and just use technology. Notice how they communicate and get things done. Follow their lead and utilize technology the way they do. Initially it may take longer, but in the long run you will have access to tools you did not know existed.”
4. Be Yoda.
The best leaders are willing to learn as much as they are willing to teach.
5. Remember, the Force is with you too.
Tenzer shares, you have great experience to show that you’ve been around the solar system a few times. And reminds us that the best leaders are inclusive, acknowledging, clear, decisive and kind.
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