I always find it interesting when different generations sit down to understand each other. I was involved in a training a few weeks ago that asked 4 different generations to answer questions about their generation. It was so interesting to see the differences that we all have but also to see the similarities.
What I found most interesting were the comments that other generations made to Millennials and how Millennials responded. We are always so quick to judge their actions and intentions rather than listening to them. What I learned from the experience is that EVERY generation views the other generations as flawed in someway. Are they flawed? Maybe, but what is more likely is that we don't know how to accept the differences. We become what we saw in our parents. Inflexible and lacking the desire to change. We have done what previous generations did to us...This is how it's been and this is how you'll do it. Maybe things should change. It's fascinating how every generation wants to change the world and to some extent they do. But many times what happens is that the world changes them. Take Gen Xer's for example. They were going to destroy the world as we know it. Lazy, slackers, good for nothing with bad attitudes. Yet here we are and we're the managers. The ones who are responsible and we're taking care of our families. Not exactly the untimely demise of the world that was expected of us.
Boomers, do you remember when your parents thought you dressed provocatively, listened to loud and disrespectful music and were too immature to run the country? It makes me wonder what the Millennials will say to the generation after them. The point is, each generation who enters the workforce is viewed as different and that difference is not viewed in a positive light. So maybe we should take a step back and realize that not every other generation is going to destroy the world we have worked so hard to build. The truth is, we have all built this world and while we should protect it, we should also recognize that change is not always a bad thing. Sometimes it's what keeps us moving and heading toward the future.
Millennials at their Best
I have been very encouraged by a group of Millennials I have had the opportunity to work with recently. I work with a program at my job that allows students to participate in summer service opportunities throughout the United States and world. These students remind me of the good that Millennials can do and the impact they want to have on the world around them, and I think they will have an impact. Whether is be one person, one community or one world, they believe that they can do it! Maybe that's the difference between Millennials and everyone else. We just believe that it's too massive of a job to fix the world. They not only believe it is possible, they actively work towards it.
What I find interesting about this is that so many people seen to have such a negative view of Millennials believing them to be lazy and self absorbed. In actuality, they are more world focused and have more going on in their lives than Gen Xer's ever dreamed of. They come wanting to make a difference in the world and believing that it is within their abilities to do so.
Don't know any Millennials? I encourage you to get to know one. Learn about their passions. Their ideas. Wants and desires. Then make decisions about who you think they are!
What I find interesting about this is that so many people seen to have such a negative view of Millennials believing them to be lazy and self absorbed. In actuality, they are more world focused and have more going on in their lives than Gen Xer's ever dreamed of. They come wanting to make a difference in the world and believing that it is within their abilities to do so.
Don't know any Millennials? I encourage you to get to know one. Learn about their passions. Their ideas. Wants and desires. Then make decisions about who you think they are!
Series of Tips for Generational Harmony-Tip 1
One of the biggest problems many employers face are the changes that Millennials bring with them. New technologies, changing work schedules, new ideas...it could potentially make other generations feel pushed aside. It's no wonder there is so much resentment towards Millennials. So how can all generations in the workplace get along and work together towards the common goal of company and employee success? Try having a time where employees can discuss their differences and understand the ways each generation functions and communicates in the work environment. Many times the problems happen because generations do not understand each other. By allowing time for your employees to talk to one another, you are providing the framework for workplace cohesiveness.
Time to let go of our Ego's!
I am constantly surprised by the attitude people take towards Millennials. While some may view it as right on target, I tend to disagree. I heard someone talking the other day about how they felt Millennials were going to ruin the workplace, that their work ethics would cause a major rift in the ability of companies to complete tasks and remain profitable. While Millennials may have a different way of viewing work and performing in their jobs than previous generations, the idea that they will ruin the workplace is absurd. The reality is, for those managers who are utilizing Millennials ideas and energy, they are finding that they are actually improving the workplace.
One example was a story I read of a young Millennial who began working for a staffing company. The owner was appalled that her brand new employee was already telling her how to run her business. And what was her new employee’s suggestion? Put applications online so the company could reach a larger pool of applicants. Ok, I may not be brilliant, but to me that's a great idea. Turns out that the owner eventually let go of her ego (yes, I said it…ego) and decided to try the idea. Guess what, it helped the company reach a new pool of applicants and reduced some of their costs associated with applications.
Another example I heard came from a presentation I attended last week. I'll share more about that presentation tomorrow, but here was the most important thing I heard that day. The speaker shared with the audience that they had recently hired 5 new Millennial employees in his office. He had his reservations when they started making suggestions about things the business could do better. Despite his concerns, they implemented one which saved the company SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS. Good thing he let go of his pre-conceived ideas of new hires!
Here's the point of this. We are so quick to dismiss Millennials ideas because we feel like they haven't worked long enough to have any real sense of what it takes to run a business. They haven’t paid their dues the way we had to! That’s old thinking and it’s time we left it in the past and let this new generation make a difference. The reality is that Millennials have some pretty darn good ideas that have the potential to save their companies a lot of time and money. It's time we stopped pushing this generation into the same box that we have placed every other generation. They are different. From the way they dress to the way they share their ideas and lives. We truly need to understand that they are going to change the workplace but not by ruining it. Use their talents and enthusiasm. Listen to their ideas and stop allowing your ego to tell you that no “kid” is going to tell you how to run your business. You hired them to make a difference, now let them!
One example was a story I read of a young Millennial who began working for a staffing company. The owner was appalled that her brand new employee was already telling her how to run her business. And what was her new employee’s suggestion? Put applications online so the company could reach a larger pool of applicants. Ok, I may not be brilliant, but to me that's a great idea. Turns out that the owner eventually let go of her ego (yes, I said it…ego) and decided to try the idea. Guess what, it helped the company reach a new pool of applicants and reduced some of their costs associated with applications.
Another example I heard came from a presentation I attended last week. I'll share more about that presentation tomorrow, but here was the most important thing I heard that day. The speaker shared with the audience that they had recently hired 5 new Millennial employees in his office. He had his reservations when they started making suggestions about things the business could do better. Despite his concerns, they implemented one which saved the company SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS. Good thing he let go of his pre-conceived ideas of new hires!
Here's the point of this. We are so quick to dismiss Millennials ideas because we feel like they haven't worked long enough to have any real sense of what it takes to run a business. They haven’t paid their dues the way we had to! That’s old thinking and it’s time we left it in the past and let this new generation make a difference. The reality is that Millennials have some pretty darn good ideas that have the potential to save their companies a lot of time and money. It's time we stopped pushing this generation into the same box that we have placed every other generation. They are different. From the way they dress to the way they share their ideas and lives. We truly need to understand that they are going to change the workplace but not by ruining it. Use their talents and enthusiasm. Listen to their ideas and stop allowing your ego to tell you that no “kid” is going to tell you how to run your business. You hired them to make a difference, now let them!
Research Project
I am currently working on a research project on Generational Differences. It will focus on a varity of issues but will have an element directed specifically to the workplace. I am hoping to get 1000 responses by the end of summer. I will have it posted here and would appreciate your help in getting to my goal. My plan is to use the information to help employers understand where the potential problems may be in the workplace as different generations of employees attempt to work together. I should have the survey link up in a few months.
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