Veterans Vs Millennials

Veterans or Millennials - whom should you hire? 

This is a hot topic and has been plaguing the minds of HR managers as well as Entrepreneurs/Business owners. Although, the comparison is a senseless activity but we do indulge in it a bit to understand the core competencies of both.

Millennials are complex; they are considered as a generation extremely capable, passionate, hardworking as well as lazy, privileged, over-educated, basking in extended adolescence at the same time. Ask anyone to describe Millennials in two words – ‘Anxious’ and ‘Entitled’ is what comes to mind.

Veterans on the other side are steady, loyal, can withstand pressure and use their experience to provide guidance and direction. 

Ask a Veteran on Team building, camaraderie, focus & goal setting and this is what he will say, “If you’re a part of something, then you can’t fail, You’re always going to be successful because if you fail, someone dies. There’s no other option.” The same is not true for the Millennials in the Corporate world.

Many of my kind attend elite B schools and this is what they have to say, “When I talk to college kids about stress, I don’t try to put my service out there, those were difficult times and one indecision could cost precious human life. However, as soon as the finals come by, these so-called aspiring CEOs seem to lose their ‘center of gravity’ (minds). Often I hear them complaining about how stressed life is out there, and mind you I’m not saying they shouldn’t be nervous, but their lives won’t end if they get a B. After all, it’s just an exam not a life-threatening situation”

The next question is.......

“Do they fit in my business?”

– every entrepreneur seeks an answer for.

Rather than separating them why can’t we synergize Veterans & millennials into a deadly unbeatable combination of experience & youth. Embracing a diverse background of these two distinct entities provides organizations an environment of integrity with character & professionalism.

The need for the hour is to have people with an open mind ready to experiment, willing to explore unchartered territories & and share experiences and new ideas. Our greatest assets are the ones who are constantly learning.

Veterans have tremendous tolerance for ambiguity, exhibit confidence & curiosity with unmatched risk-taking abilities – in a nutshell, they have the ability to surpass audacious goals set by the organizations they are part of. Millennials, on the other hand, have the ability to be in perfect sync with their competitive environment & this deadly duo is highly collaborative and certainly infectious.

What would you do to give it a try?

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