How to Work with Millennials Effectively: A Millennial Tells All! – Part 1

February 15, 2017

“You millennials are all the same!” said at least one manager at every organization I’ve ever worked!

Having been in a corporate position since right out of college at the fresh (and naïve) age of 21, I’m very familiar with the stereotypes circling viciously about my generation—the millennials. I’m sure that generational conflict has probably always existed in some way, but there seems to be an increase in complaints when it comes to working with my peers. As a millennial myself, it can be hard not to take it personally, but I think a little understanding from other generations will go a long way.

Born between 1981 and 1999, us millennials are often called “the worst,” “stubborn,” and the generation that’s just plain difficult to work with. In all honesty, we millennials often think that older generations are just as difficult to work with. I mean, why are you still using a fax machine?!

Since it looks like we’re stuck with each other for a while, we might as well try to get along. Here goes – a few words of wisdom on millennials, from a millenial…

Our Careers are Everything

In a time when competition for jobs is high, many of us are totally career-focused. While previous generations were often married with kids by the time they were in their early twenties, our generation is mostly putting off family life until later—and this applies to both genders. Don’t get me wrong, we (mostly!) love kids, but there’s a time and place for family, and our twenties isn’t that!

My manager once asked me, “Don’t you want to get home for dinner with your family?”, to which I responded, “Don’t you want me to stay and finish the report for tomorrow’s meeting?!” Shouldn’t organizational leaders appreciate employees who’re dedicated to their work?

As millennials, our careers come first, and we often see them as inextricably attached to our identities. We’re constantly wondering how we can climb the ladder and succeed. Our drive and career focus may be off-putting to other generations who seek more of a work-life balance, but we’re also trying to prove ourselves to you through our dedication.

That said, we all have different goals, so when it comes to the workplace, it’s important to find out and understand the goals of the younger employees on your team and come up with strategies to help them get there.

We Want to Know “Why?”

Picture this: A project is assigned at work. Someone of an older generation accepts the project as-is without question, probably thinking they’ll work it out as they go along. In contrast, if I (or another millennial) were assigned the job, I would start out by asking a lot of questions:

Why do you want me to use that software? – Which department will it go to next? – What’s the end product? – What campaign is this for? – Can I do it this way instead?

Annoying, huh? I get it!

Although this proactive style might come off as being uninformed or ill-prepared, it’s really not our intention. We’re simply a generation of inquisitive children—blame our parents! We like being involved in the process in order to better envision where we’re headed, together. By seeing the big picture, we can figure out how to best approach the task at hand in a strategic manner.

How to deal with this constant onslaught of questions from younger co-workers? You may want to explain why you’re making certain decisions instead of simply doling out instructions and expecting them to be accepted without question.

Millenials actually want to help, and we often have great ideas that will contribute to the company’s success. Don’t underestimate our potential—give us the benefit of the doubt next time before shutting us down completely.

The Fun Keeps Going…

I have so much insight to share as a millennial expert, I couldn’t fit it all into one post. So check back next week for more tips on working with us infamous millennials. In the meantime, try applying one or two of these suggestions and see how they work!

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