Millennials.. A new approach? February 25, 2008
Posted by Amanda in Cheesy Whiskers, The Job Maze.Tags: Millennials, Work
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I happened to be meandering across Adage today when I came across this article. Every one of these points struck a chord with me. I could either relate them to people I know from college or to myself. I specifically related with these:
1. ELIMINATE AMBIGUITY.
Millennials are experts at calculating what it takes to meet expectations. Once locked in, they have a GPS-like approach to navigating toward the goal. I have learned that the flip side of this laser-like focus is a lack of patience for any hint that the rules are being changed midstream.
LESSON: Set clear goals and timelines — and resist modifying them. Once the syllabus is printed, I never change it.
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4. MAKE IT WORTHWHILE.
Students are sick of busy work and exercises; they long to do something “real” and meaningful. What’s more, they are convinced they are ready for it. Whenever possible, I incorporate real-world consulting problems and clients into class assignments. Many students have told me years later that those were among the most meaningful experiences they had in their college careers.
LESSON: Assign the tough problems, not just the ones you think they can handle.
For those of you who are managers, what strategies do YOU use to relate with the younger work force?
This couldn’t be more right on. Milennials want freedom over their time – all of it. Even 8:00 to 5:00 Monday through Friday. And why not give it to them if they get the work done? After a lifetime of building relationships overseas through Facebook, texting, and being connected 24/7, why would we shackle them to a cube with rules and guidelines from the 1950s?
Let’s let them go and see what they can do!
Cali Ressler and Jody Thompson
Creators of the Results-Only Work Environment (ROWE)
Authors of the forthcoming book “Why Work Sucks and How to Fix It”
You have a very forward thinking approach and I appluad you for it! As one of these “Milennials” I have friends in Wales, Sweden and even as far away as Singapore. I think the challenge is merging the older and new workforce without appearing to show favoritism one way or another.
Yes – merging the older and new workforce is challenging, but it CAN be done. In the end, ALL generations are people that don’t want to waste their time, and in turn, their lives. Time is a non-renewable resource – once it’s gone, it’s gone. And that’s something that everyone realizes at some point or another. And once they do, they’ll start changing their beliefs about how things need to happen!
Cali Ressler and Jody Thompson
Creators of the Results-Only Work Environment (ROWE)
Authors of the forthcoming book “Why Work Sucks and How to Fix It”
You wouldn’t happen to be hiring, would you?
Amanda – as this revolution grows, we will be hiring! We take info from all interested parties at info@caliandjody.com.
Send it our way
Cali and Jody