Millennials & the Business World

Our new employment pool is mainly composed of the Millennials now so we need to understand their strengths & shortcomings so that we can leverage their talents to the benefit of all concerned.
Assets:
Tech savvy
Goal Oriented
Positive Attitude
Like Structure
Collaborative Team Approach
Multiculturally Aware
Handle Change
Creative
Self Confident

Liabilities:
Ignorant of Big Picture
Self Centered
Distaste for Menial Work
Lack Skills for Dealing with Difficult People
Lack Experience
Confident beyond Ability
Frustrated
Hide Behind Technology

How can we lead them effectively?

C-O-N-N-E-C-T
Communicate clearly their roles & responsibilities
Describe expectations
Provide structure
Give constructive feedback

Offer new experiences
Provide a Learning Culture
Offer job shadowing opportunities
Allow passion projects
Include them in important meetings

Navigate with direction & support
Design career maps
Define office hours
Avoid uncertainty, they are uncomfortable with that

Network & Mentor to offer them learning opportunities
Provide Lunch & learn sessions
Pair them up with a mentor (senior or peer)
Encourage the joining of Professional Groups
Encourage attendance at networking events

Engage & Excite by keeping things fun!
Challenge them!
Offer recognition for work done well
Try out new ideas & let them present them
Welcome their technical approaches
Allow for some flexibility

Collaborate…encourage team work
Let them see that they are part of the bigger picture
Encourage volunteer & social responsibility projects, & let them organize them
Encourage reverse mentoring with a senior person, perhaps in a technical area

Teach them skills….in particular Soft Skills
Business etiquette is necessary
Dealing with conflict
Leadership & Management skills
Weekly courses
Consider an on demand expert for them

Understanding these young people is a challenge worth facing!

For more information on Millennials please look at the workshop offered on this topic.