Millenials – Maddening or Magnificent?

By 2020, half the workforce will be Millennials (those born after 1982.) You remember, the kids we doted on and gave trophies to for everything…

The question is…Are you prepared to work with them?

I’ve actually had several clients pull out their hair trying to manage these employees because they don’t appear as committed or focused as they should be. In fact, several have wanted to give up hiring them all together!

Of course, it’s going to be a bit tough running a company with no employees, and truthfully Millennials might be different from the Baby Boomer generation, but they bring a tremendous amount of value.  So, rather than give up, start using these tips today to start developing your next generation of leaders.

 5 Tips for Motivating Your Millennials

1. Provide leadership and guidance. Millennials want to look up to you, learn from you, and receive daily feedback. They want “in” on the whole picture and to know the scoop. Plan to spend a lot of time teaching and coaching and be aware of this commitment to Millennials when you hire them. They want your investment of time in their success.
2. Encourage the Millennial’s self-assuredness, “can-do” attitude, and positive self-image. Millennials are ready to take on the world. Their parents told them they can do it and they can. Encourage – don’t squash or contain them.
3. Millennial are up for a challenge and change. Boring is bad. They seek ever-changing tasks within their work. “What’s happening next,” is their mantra. Don’t bore them, ignore them, or trivialize their contribution.
4. Capitalize on the Millennial’s affinity for networking. Not just comfortable with teams and group activities, your Millennial employees like to network around the world electronically.
5. Provide a life-work balanced workplace. Your Millennials are used to cramming their lives with multiple activities. They may play on sports teams, walk for multiple causes, and spend lots of time with family and friends. They’re willing to work hard, but they are not into the sixty hour work weeks defined by the Baby Boomers. Home, family, and spending time with the children are priorities.

Bottom Line

You can complain about your youngest employees or appreciate them for who they are and learn how best to manage them.  It will take time, but they have a “can-do” attitude, look for a variety of tasks and expect to accomplish every one of them. In fact, they’re ready to take on the world.  Doesn’t that sound like someone you’d love to have on your team?