The OUTSPOKEN Millennial

When I was born, the first word I ever uttered was "Why." Or so I tell myself. I am that type of person to question things. If it does not make sense to me, I will ask why. Questioning is a sentiment that is shared by my generation.

I remember when I began working, I was immediately turned off by many processes. Why did I have to do some of these functions that I deemed unnecessary or nonsensical? I would admit a very arrogant line of thinking; however, my arrogance intensified by the answers I would receive:

"This is how we've always done it, so do it."

"Stop asking questions and get it done."

"You aren't paid to ask questions."

Have you ever heard any of these? Or even if you have not heard it, maybe you were met with the agitated expression of your boss. Gasoline meet flame. I was instantly turned off by these statements and felt challenged to find a better way. The justification never seemed steeped in much logic. Is it that my employer was so infused in a tradition that they could not see the need for change? 

I remember reading books about companies that were allergic to change; they died. One of my major questions that I never got a good enough answer for was, "Why can't I work from home at least one day out of the week?" I could do most of my work activities anywhere, yet still, I was confined to my desk with monitored breaks and EXACTLY one hour for lunch. For my Millennials that work in the private sector, I know that you feel my pain with your lunch hour being meticulously monitored as though one minute over the lunch hour was somehow comparable to a volcanic eruption level disaster. Well, that's what I remembered when I received a letter about going over my lunch hour three times for the month, but I digress....

It did not make much sense to me. The fear was that my productivity would drop or that my boss would not be able to monitor my progress. What if I was irresponsible and spent the day doing nothing? Again, nonsensical and illogical. I had bills to pay, so of course, I would get the job done, and if I was not performing, they could shackle me back to my desk five days out of the week once again. A procedure for measuring my output was the only thing needed to ensure that I was achieving the desired results.

But, no. My request was not even on the table. It was outlawed and a taboo topic.

Interestingly enough, when Covid-19 hit, all of this changed. The red tape that prevented such facilities were magically removed. Companies were now exploring the work from home option. Staff was sent home with what I assume is the expectation that they would do nothing. But here we are, with staff and, not only staff but Millennial staff, working from home AND getting work done.

We are described as outspoken, but is it really that we are outspoken? I believe we challenge the status quo because we see the potential for more. We believe that we can be comfortable AND add value to an organization. 

We are the generation that wants it all, but we are up for the challenge to prove it if given a chance. Sadly, most times, we aren't given an opportunity. The "outspoken" title given to us is more a perception of the older generations that only know one way of achieving favorable results: their way. So it is their way or the highway.

Can't blame them, their way works! The question is for how long. Soon Millennials will be the higher percentage of the working force than any other generation. The companies that perceive our "outspokenness" for what it is, "innovation," and actively channels it will be the ones to prevail.

What is happening here is a normal progression—turbulence between generations. The younger generation brings innovation, new technology, ideas, and systems that the older generations don't fully understand. In comparison, older generations bring experience and wisdom. When these generations meet, there is a natural power struggle.

It is only when an environment of compromise is fostered that positive outcomes are created. Please don't fight, ignore or patronize your Millennial employees, instead invite them into the conversation. Be open to their ideas, insight, and challenge questions. Actively incorporate their views from time to time. Patronize us at your peril.

It is only with two hands can we produce a clap. It is only through intergenerational unity can we create positive results for the future.

If you loved my article or want to add your insights, please feel free to leave a comment below.

You can also download the first two chapters of my book "The Millennial Mind: Success Secrets for Unlocking Your Full Potential" here: https://rebityouth.com/the-book/