Millennials are those people born between 1982 and 2004, making them part of Generation X or Y. There are expected to make up 75% of the global workforce by 2025 so today’s leaders need to get on board when it comes to getting the best from them. Here are 5 tips for success when managing millennials.
- Provide opportunities for growth and development.
This may sound obvious and no different to what you currently do but millennials are the future leaders of the business world and economy so teach them what you have learned as well as providing formal training. 70% of leavers cite lack of leadership training as a reason to leave a business. Millennials relish challenge and responsibility. Many have been brought up in homes with loving parents who have scheduled activities and events for their children, encouraged them and helped them feel confident in their abilities. Don’t stamp on their enthusiasm and desire to learn.
- Take advantage of their technological skills.
Millennials have grown up with technology at their finger tips so capitalize on your millennial employee’s computer, phone, and electronic literacy. The electronic capabilities of these employees are astounding. They’ll happily test out new software, make suggestions about new meeting platforms or share tips on phone technology.
- Give them feedback.
Millennials have been used to getting feedback from teachers, sports coaches and parents and understand the benefits of it. They want to know how they’re doing, what they could do to improve and how what they’re doing is relevant. Take the time to coach them, listen to their ideas and work with them to help them succeed.
- Make them part of a team
Millennial employees work well with diverse coworkers. They are used to working in groups and teams. In contrast to the lone ranger attitude of earlier generations, millennials actually understand the value of team success. Millennials also want to make friends with people at work so making them part of a team is a great way to start the process.
- Allow them to multi-task.
Millennial employees are multi-taskers on a scale you’ve never seen before. Their lives are full of activities and events so performing multiple tasks at work doesn’t phase them at all. They can talk on the phone while managing email and writing a report – easy! This is a way of life. In fact, without many different tasks and goals to pursue within the week, the millennials will likely experience boredom. Boredom is bad!
Don’t forget, you are developing the workforce of your future. Millennials are the most connected generation in history and they will network right out of your workplace if you are not meeting their needs.
For further information about leadership and management development opportunities please contact jill@jemtraining.com.au
