A few months ago I wrote about whether or not Millennials lacked basic manners. I'm still thinking about that topic so I thought I would spend a little more time on it. I was having a conversation with one of my classmates this week and the subject came up about workplace etiquette. We concluded that people in a work environment sometimes just don't know how to act professionally. The same problems we had when we were in high school with cattiness, clicks, talking behind peoples back, and other childish behavior, still continue on into adulthood and into the workplace. What I found fascinating about this conversation is we concluded that it wasn't Millennials who were the problem. It was Babyboomers and Gen Xers who were the worst offenders. Imagine that...we blame Millennials and claim that they lack basic professionalism in the workplace and at times, we are worse than they are. Isn't that interesting.
One only need to turn on the news to see how far we have come in our willingness to screw other people to get ahead. People having their money stolen by "respectable" businessmen. Banks looking more at the bottom line than at their customers, and the full on "I care more about my pocketbook than I do this company's success" attitude that some CEO's seem to have. Why would we expect Millennials to know how to behave in the workplace when we don't even act professionally? So that begs the question...what is professional behavior?
I found one wonderful definition of professional behavior on the University of Chicago's website for medical students. Here is how they defined professional behavior (I have changed some of the wording to make it relevant for other environments)...
Integrity: Displays honesty in all situations and interactions; is able to identify information that is confidential and maintain its confidentiality.
Tolerance: Demonstrates ability to accept people and situations. Acknowledges his/her biases and does not allow them to affect personal interactions or contribute to threatening or harassing interactions with others.
Interpersonal relationships: Provides support and is empathetic in interactions with co-workers. Interacts effectively with "difficult individuals." Demonstrates respect for and complements the roles of other professionals. Is cooperative and earns respect.
Initiative: Independently identifies tasks to be performed and makes sure that tasks are completed satisfactorily. Performs duties promptly and efficiently. Is willing to spend additional time and to assume new responsibilities. Recognizes when help is required and when to ask for guidance.
Dependability: Completes tasks promptly and well. Arrives on time and actively participates in work activities. Follows through and is reliable.
Attitudes: Is actively concerned about others. Maintains a positive outlook toward others and toward assigned tasks. Recognizes and admits mistakes. Seeks and accepts feedback and uses it to improve performance.
Function under stress: Maintains professional composure and exhibits good personal and professional judgment in stressful situations. Identifies unprofessional conduct while recognizing the importance of maintaining professional behavior in the work setting, in spite of inappropriate action on the part of others.
Appearance: Displays appropriate professional appearance and is appropriately groomed.
What I find frustrating is, our best attempts to teach students professional behavior are completely undermined when they walk into many work environments and see behavior that is totally contradictory to what we try to teach them. They learn very quickly that how we teach them to act isn't the way everyone else is acting. Now maybe your reading this and thinking, "I'm totally professional. I would never think of acting unprofessionally at work." That may be true, but look around your office. I'm betting there are people there who do things that definitely are not professional.
Now my attempt here is not to chastise completely, but I do think we all have a LONG way to go before we can rest the blame for bad workplace behavior solely on the shoulders of Millennials who have recently entered the workplace. The truth is, Millennials don't seem to like that type of childish behavior. They want to work in teams and get along with their co-workers. They don't want to stab them in the back and climb over them to get ahead.
So here's the moral of the story and me standing on my soap box for just a moment...the workplace can at times be a very immature environment and that is not the Millennial generations fault. We have created this and we must clean it up. What happened to the manners WE learned as children. Respect those around you...if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all...and of course the grand-daddy of all the lessons we were taught, treat others the way you want to be treated!
Maybe it's time we re-learned how to behave at work and went back to the basics of treating people respectfully and with the kind of manners we should have learned as children!!
Using Social Media and Online Tools to Brand Yourself and Your Company
Thanks to the internet, we have constant streams of information about people and companies anytime we want it. It can be an amazing resource for you and your company to introduce your services, products, and mission to a much larger audience. When used appropriately, online resources can provide companies with tools to help them recruit new employees, connect to like-minded professionals, and network globally. All of these are important reasons to create a brand identity.
Now, I’ll warn you that I’m not a guru of all things technical and computer related, but I do know enough to help you get started. Here are my top 5 favorite social and professional networking sites:
1. Twitter – This one may be new for some of you. Twitter is considered a “micro-blogging” tool and is used by many to introduce new products or just keep those interested updated about company. Many professionals use it to stay connected and some are using it as a recruiting tool to attract new talent. With only 140 characters to work with, it doesn’t provide a huge amount of space to introduce long concepts, but it is a quick and easy way to let customers, employees, applicants, and others stay connected to you. (www.twitter.com)
2. Linked In - If you are not already on Linked In as a professional, you should be. It provides a wonderful opportunity to allow you to network with other professionals. Like Facebook, you have the opportunity to create a profile and interact with others. The major difference here is that it is geared towards professional networking instead of social networking. It can be another great resource for recruiting, allowing you to connect with upper level professionals as well as students. (www.linkedin.com)
3. Blogs – Blogging is a great way to keep people connected and interested in what your company is doing. I just listened to a webinar yesterday about utilizing social networking to brand your online image and they stressed how helpful blogs can be in allowing you to control and share information about your company. (www.wordpress.com or www.blogger.com)
4. Facebook – This is one of the most widely used social networking sites. While started exclusively as a site to allow college students to connect with each other, it has become an amazing avenue for all ages to interact with old and new friends. As a tool for your business, it can allow you to introduce your company to your next generation of employees. You can connect with applicants and increase your company’s visibility. It’s important to keep in mind that many view Facebook as a medium for socializing, not professional networking. That being said, be cautious about making hiring decisions based on the information you gather there.(www.facebook.com)
5. Google Alerts – Now you may be asking yourself why this one is part of list for branding yourself. Have you ever googled your name or your company just to see what pops up? Google Alerts allows you to set up a search topic (like your name or your company’s name) and it will email you the results daily. The brand you are projecting is important, as is how others perceive you. Knowing what information is out there about you can be a powerful tool to help you in your branding efforts. (www.google.com/alerts)
All of these online mediums can provide you with an opportunity to create a positive image of your organization. This can make a difference in customer perception, the quality of applicants interested in working for you, and help you make connections with area professionals. The key is to be smart about what is being posted and look at it as a small part of what you and your company do to brand your image.
Now, I’ll warn you that I’m not a guru of all things technical and computer related, but I do know enough to help you get started. Here are my top 5 favorite social and professional networking sites:
1. Twitter – This one may be new for some of you. Twitter is considered a “micro-blogging” tool and is used by many to introduce new products or just keep those interested updated about company. Many professionals use it to stay connected and some are using it as a recruiting tool to attract new talent. With only 140 characters to work with, it doesn’t provide a huge amount of space to introduce long concepts, but it is a quick and easy way to let customers, employees, applicants, and others stay connected to you. (www.twitter.com)
2. Linked In - If you are not already on Linked In as a professional, you should be. It provides a wonderful opportunity to allow you to network with other professionals. Like Facebook, you have the opportunity to create a profile and interact with others. The major difference here is that it is geared towards professional networking instead of social networking. It can be another great resource for recruiting, allowing you to connect with upper level professionals as well as students. (www.linkedin.com)
3. Blogs – Blogging is a great way to keep people connected and interested in what your company is doing. I just listened to a webinar yesterday about utilizing social networking to brand your online image and they stressed how helpful blogs can be in allowing you to control and share information about your company. (www.wordpress.com or www.blogger.com)
4. Facebook – This is one of the most widely used social networking sites. While started exclusively as a site to allow college students to connect with each other, it has become an amazing avenue for all ages to interact with old and new friends. As a tool for your business, it can allow you to introduce your company to your next generation of employees. You can connect with applicants and increase your company’s visibility. It’s important to keep in mind that many view Facebook as a medium for socializing, not professional networking. That being said, be cautious about making hiring decisions based on the information you gather there.(www.facebook.com)
5. Google Alerts – Now you may be asking yourself why this one is part of list for branding yourself. Have you ever googled your name or your company just to see what pops up? Google Alerts allows you to set up a search topic (like your name or your company’s name) and it will email you the results daily. The brand you are projecting is important, as is how others perceive you. Knowing what information is out there about you can be a powerful tool to help you in your branding efforts. (www.google.com/alerts)
All of these online mediums can provide you with an opportunity to create a positive image of your organization. This can make a difference in customer perception, the quality of applicants interested in working for you, and help you make connections with area professionals. The key is to be smart about what is being posted and look at it as a small part of what you and your company do to brand your image.
Is the Issue a Lack of "Manners"?
As is the case with many of my posts, todays discussion began with a conversation I was having with someone interested in the workplace generational issue. As we were talking, it became clear that this persons problem didn't lie in Millennials work ethic but rather her perceived view of their "manners". In her opinion, Millennials just don't have the same sense of manners that other generations do. I, of course, defended Millennials saying that different generations have different approaches to most things. After our conversation was over though, I really started to process her points and a few of them made sense.
Let's start with this...Millennials really do have a lot to offer! They are bright, enthusiastic, and want to make a difference. But the question is, are they lacking in some of the basic manners we were taught as children. The answer...well maybe they actually are. I don't blame them though. It's our fault. I'm not sure they were ever taught some of the basics of interacting with others respectfully. As a child, I remember always hearing messages like "Say please and thank you when someone does something for you", "Open the door for those who are following you and allow them to go first", "When you need to speak with someone, ask them if they have a moment or if there would be a better time for them rather than assuming you can talk now". I could definitely keep going and the main point is I heard these messages from my parents, grandparents, school, and church. It was hard not to learn these lessons because I was constantly hearing them. I wonder if those same messages have been passed on to the Millennial generation.
I've noticed a very specific trend that may be contributing to this issue. We are expecting TV to teach our kids messages about things like manners, ABC's, interpersonal skills, and a wealth of other lessons. The problem here though is that maybe that's not the right way to go about it. Maybe there is a disconnect between what is being taught and what kids are absorbing. Maybe that's the problem...but maybe it's not really about Millennials at all. Maybe it's a greater issue in society that ALL of us have lost some of the basic manners we learned. I'll give you this example as case in point...I recently attended a conference with a varity of generations but mostly Gen X, Baby Boomers and even Veterans. Here's what I noticed, there were a lot of people there who were downright rude. Talking while others were talking, making comments about presenters that I would never even consider appropriate in private let alone in a professional conference.
So here's the deal. Millennials may have different values or manners, but some other generations are just as bad. You'll have good and bad apples in every generation so I think it's important that we not generalize and say all Millennials have bad manners. Some do, many don't. I guess it goes back to the basic rule we were taught, don't judge a book by it's cover!
Let's start with this...Millennials really do have a lot to offer! They are bright, enthusiastic, and want to make a difference. But the question is, are they lacking in some of the basic manners we were taught as children. The answer...well maybe they actually are. I don't blame them though. It's our fault. I'm not sure they were ever taught some of the basics of interacting with others respectfully. As a child, I remember always hearing messages like "Say please and thank you when someone does something for you", "Open the door for those who are following you and allow them to go first", "When you need to speak with someone, ask them if they have a moment or if there would be a better time for them rather than assuming you can talk now". I could definitely keep going and the main point is I heard these messages from my parents, grandparents, school, and church. It was hard not to learn these lessons because I was constantly hearing them. I wonder if those same messages have been passed on to the Millennial generation.
I've noticed a very specific trend that may be contributing to this issue. We are expecting TV to teach our kids messages about things like manners, ABC's, interpersonal skills, and a wealth of other lessons. The problem here though is that maybe that's not the right way to go about it. Maybe there is a disconnect between what is being taught and what kids are absorbing. Maybe that's the problem...but maybe it's not really about Millennials at all. Maybe it's a greater issue in society that ALL of us have lost some of the basic manners we learned. I'll give you this example as case in point...I recently attended a conference with a varity of generations but mostly Gen X, Baby Boomers and even Veterans. Here's what I noticed, there were a lot of people there who were downright rude. Talking while others were talking, making comments about presenters that I would never even consider appropriate in private let alone in a professional conference.
So here's the deal. Millennials may have different values or manners, but some other generations are just as bad. You'll have good and bad apples in every generation so I think it's important that we not generalize and say all Millennials have bad manners. Some do, many don't. I guess it goes back to the basic rule we were taught, don't judge a book by it's cover!
Scary Job Market Could Change Things!
I've had several people ask me if I thought that the current state of the job market would change Millennials attitude of entitlement and their mindset on job searching. Honestly, it doesn't look like it has, at least not yet. The reality is, most students aren't feeling the crunch of the economy yet. Many believe that they will have a job after they graduate and that job will pay them $80,000 with 3 weeks of vacation and great benefits. They haven't had to feel the frustration of the job search market yet so they don't really know what it's like out there. They don't believe it's that bad because they haven't sent out 200 resumes with only 1 interview and no job offers. Wait until they have been out of college for 6 months and still don't have a job. I think that's when we may see the changes to the entitlement attitude that everyone talks about.
The truth is, Millennials attitudes will have to change because there just aren't as many opportunities out there for them. They are competing against each other as well as displaced professionals with far more experience. Something tells me that a $25,000 a year job may not seem so bad after all. Here's the catch though... We have to stop letting Millennials believe that they are failures if they don't have the nice cushy job with the big office, giant salary and killer benefits. Our society has allowed these kids to believe that anything less than that is unacceptable. We are guilty of creating an entire generation who's expectations are so high that they can't possibly reach them right out of school and unfortunately up to this point we haven't really given them any other options. How about we start promoting regular people who make next to nothing and perform jobs that we can't live without. Stop promoting the jobs that most of these Millennials will never have in their lifetime.
It's time for a reality check for all of us. Parents, tell your kids its okay if they make $25,000 a year. Millennials, understand that you will not be able to make the same demands for salary and benefits that you could have 2 years ago, and for the rest of us...we need to stop complaining and start working towards understanding of ALL generations.
The truth is, Millennials attitudes will have to change because there just aren't as many opportunities out there for them. They are competing against each other as well as displaced professionals with far more experience. Something tells me that a $25,000 a year job may not seem so bad after all. Here's the catch though... We have to stop letting Millennials believe that they are failures if they don't have the nice cushy job with the big office, giant salary and killer benefits. Our society has allowed these kids to believe that anything less than that is unacceptable. We are guilty of creating an entire generation who's expectations are so high that they can't possibly reach them right out of school and unfortunately up to this point we haven't really given them any other options. How about we start promoting regular people who make next to nothing and perform jobs that we can't live without. Stop promoting the jobs that most of these Millennials will never have in their lifetime.
It's time for a reality check for all of us. Parents, tell your kids its okay if they make $25,000 a year. Millennials, understand that you will not be able to make the same demands for salary and benefits that you could have 2 years ago, and for the rest of us...we need to stop complaining and start working towards understanding of ALL generations.
Generational Harmony - Tip 2
Frustrated with a Millennial employee? Still think they just aren't "getting it" at work? Why not try assigning a mentor. Mentor's are a great way to engage Millennial students in the work process and help them feel connected to the office. Be sure though that you choose mentors who are patient, willing to participate, and understand the role you are asking of them.
You can also use Millennial's in a reverse mentor role by allowing them to teach other employees about the technology and computer knowledge many of them possess. Tapping in to the areas where Millennials are often experts can show a level of trust and interest in the things they have to offer others in the workplace.
You can also use Millennial's in a reverse mentor role by allowing them to teach other employees about the technology and computer knowledge many of them possess. Tapping in to the areas where Millennials are often experts can show a level of trust and interest in the things they have to offer others in the workplace.
Presentation
I've had many people ask for the presetation that Liz Bushnell and I did today for the Fort Wayne Rotary Club, so I wanted to post the information here as well.
Thank you all for your questions and comments at the meeting!!
Thank you all for your questions and comments at the meeting!!
The Value of Internships for Both Students and Employers
My job provides me with the opportunity to speak with many different employers. Not surprisingly, many of them use internships as a way to hire full time employees. I had expected this trend to decline given the economy, however, it appears to be on the rise (at least from my perspective).
Internships provide employers with an opportunity to "test drive" a candidate before they fully invest in them. This can be especially important in fields where entry level positions maintain a high level of turn over. Students have the opportunity to gain important professional skills before being thrown into the fire of full time employment. It truly is a win-win for employer and student. Even beyond this, it can be much more cost effective to hire an intern than hiring a temporary employee. Plus you have access to someone who is not jaded and burned out by the work environment. Often times, students come in with fresh ideas and an enthusiastic attitude. Of course, if you've read all of the reports about Millennials then you likely already have a preconceived idea of how they will behave and interact in the internship. While some of the things you've heard may be true, many are not. I would recommend using the skills and enthusiasm of student interns to energize your workforce and help you accomplish the things that you need done.
Internships provide employers with an opportunity to "test drive" a candidate before they fully invest in them. This can be especially important in fields where entry level positions maintain a high level of turn over. Students have the opportunity to gain important professional skills before being thrown into the fire of full time employment. It truly is a win-win for employer and student. Even beyond this, it can be much more cost effective to hire an intern than hiring a temporary employee. Plus you have access to someone who is not jaded and burned out by the work environment. Often times, students come in with fresh ideas and an enthusiastic attitude. Of course, if you've read all of the reports about Millennials then you likely already have a preconceived idea of how they will behave and interact in the internship. While some of the things you've heard may be true, many are not. I would recommend using the skills and enthusiasm of student interns to energize your workforce and help you accomplish the things that you need done.
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