• Home
• Free Resources
• Case Studies
• Testimonials
• Contact

What a difference a few years can make! I just returned from presenting a course on Bridging Communication Across the Generations to an agency based in DC, where I met some incredible Millennials. My first encounter with the new breed of Millennials occurred on my flight down to DC. I happened to sit next to a gentleman who was a political consultant at the ripe age of 24. He had an undergrad degree from the University of Beirut, a master's degree from Suffolk University, and was attending law school in the evenings while running his own practice.

This gentleman appears to represent what seems to be a new rendition of the Millennials. This refers to those workers thirty and under, who only a few years ago were creating havoc in the workplace. You don't have to look very far to see how this generation is now stepping up to the plate and hitting the ball out of the park. Many, like the gentleman and the people I met at my workshop, are now willing to buckle down and work as hard as their parents worked, in order to make a name for themselves.

The participants in my session were committed to making the world a better place. Their jobs involve rehabilitating people recently incarcerated in the prison system. Their commitment to improving their knowledge has made me hopeful that our world will become a better place as a result of their efforts.

Here are some ways to keep the new breed of Millennials engaged in a way that ensures the contribution they make benefits your firm and not someone else's.

Provide feedback

Just because they have the ability to quickly work through problems doesn't mean they don't occasionally like to hear how well they are doing. When you notice them doing something good, provide them with specific feedback, so they know exactly what behavior you'd like them to keep repeating.

Here's an example of what this might look like. Instead of saying, "Great job on that report Tom," consider saying, "Tom, you did an outstanding job of taking a huge chunk of data and converting the vital information into a report that will be easily understood by the Board of Directors. I specifically like the fact that you included color graphs as well as diagrams. Both of these will allow the Board to quickly scan the data needed to make some very important decisions."

Reward innovation

This Millennial generation is the future of your organization. Create an environment that encourages creativity and provide them with the resources necessary to reach for the stars. Who knows, they may actually help your organization reach new heights!

There is more to providing rewards then increasing pay. If you are supervising a team of techies, provide them with access to the latest piece of software that will enable them to expand their horizons. Or surprise the best innovator with a company award that recognizes them for their creativity. Just do something to recognize their efforts!

Allow them to lead

Leaders should be selected based on their ability to lead and inspire others, rather than on longevity. If they happen to be the best man or woman for the job, then the job should be theirs, regardless of age or time employed.

Being a first-time leader is never easy. Be sure to provide these leaders with an internal mentor or an outside coach who can help them quickly become a productive member of the management team.

Feed their souls

Over the past few years, company training budgets have been put on Slim-Fast with little thought as to what impact this move would have on the energy level of the organization. Removing a little fat is always a good thing, but what happens when your organization becomes anorexic? When people become sluggish and can barely lift their heads off of their desks, They begin to forage for nourishment in other places.

You don't have to offer a full plate of training options in order to zap some energy back into your organization. Instead, begin with tiny servings, adding more offerings to your menu as the organization builds up strength.

Creating a workplace where employees are committed to the mission of the organization will result in improved productivity, better service, and increased profitability. Take a look at your front-line people, many of which are most likely Millennials, and remember, there is a new breed in town that is ready, willing, and able to help you reach for the stars!