Is it time for us all to think a bit more like the Millennials?
I'm the CEO of a global recruitment business so I discuss the happy challenges of working with the millennials or generation C as they are sometimes called now, on a daily basis.
We place this generation of superstars (and future superstars) in a new job every day.
More than that, we employ lots of them to work as recruitment specialists in our organisation. Finally, as showing my credentials goes, I'm the proud father of one. My daughter Charlie inspires me to think differently every day - more on that another time
This so-called “different” generation has stopped thinking that money should come first when looking for a new career. The new currency is interesting work, exciting and challenging projects to be involved in and a level of relative freedom to explore different ways of approaching a task.
This cash alternative also includes spending quality time with friends and family and shamelessly expecting a work life balance.
Another "new" phenomena is expecting to be involved in charitable endeavors or doing "stuff" at work that doesn't generate profit but does generate smiles for others.
Finally this controversial group of individuals wants to be trained. They expect to not be left behind as the new industrial revolution arrives. They are looking for extra curricular funding in things like Java Script and Python so that they can develop Apps, Websites etc. They expect to be sent to a coding school (watch this space by the way) or to be taught what Cyber Security is all about (I’m going to do something about that too).
Of course being paid is important but it's not THAT important. According to a KMPG study, remuneration sits around 5th in the league table of priorities for the 18 – 25 year olds.
All this new age hippy stuff gets in the way of making for a profitable organisation doesn't it (I pretend to hear you ask)
The answer is firmly and squarely no. What it does do is make some organisations stand out from the crowd by asking them/us to behave differently. To embrace making work a place where people smile a lot, where giving people a chance to be creative and contribute in areas that are "not on their job spec" is the norm and my personal favourite ; doing some good selflessly for others isn't seen as some left wing project but instead, the fabric and DNA of the company.
Who wouldn't want to work in an organisation like that and if that's millennial thinking, thank God they arrived and made us all stop in our tracks.
Business Speaker I Communications Skills Trainer - The Multi-Story Man ?? helping people improve what they say, and how they say it
7 年Facsinating piece Andy. I recently happened upon a book by Sherry Turkle, "Reclaiming conversation: the power of talk in a digital age." She's done a lot of research in the US exploring how this age group communicates in a different way to previous generations. Many young professionals don headphones whilst working at their desks, somewhat reminiscent of pilots in a cockpit. Others have developed the art of 'phubbing', which means the ability to maintain eye contact in a conversation while simultaneously texting! She's not anti-technology when it comes to conversational habits. She simply wants us to put technology in its place and put face to face communication ("breathing the same air") back on the agenda.
Partner | FORVIS Mazars | Audit
7 年Excellent article Andy, there are far too many negative articles on millennials in the media. Great to see an article embracing the differences of millennials and asking the question what can be learnt from them.
Well, I'm not agree, sorry, and this report explain my opinion They are not really as special as they think... They have been educated in the best conditions, they have had everything. Here they have lived in a country in peace, democracy and economic strength. Everything has been easy. For them, they are all rights and there are no obligations. To this I would add that the millenials are in some way with the "privileges" they have is thanks to their grandparents (our parents) and in some small way we who fought, protested for certain rights to which we have access today !!! https://www.las2orillas.co/los-millenials-no-tan-especiales-se-creen/
Founder at DeltaV Partners - Leadership Development, Exec Coaching and Culture Transformation.
7 年Great read Andy, thanks for sharing
Leadership Consultant, Executive Coach, Group Coach, Facilitator
7 年Fantastically scribed and a great read. Thanks Andy Lord