WHY I enjoy working with Millennials

First, an New Years apology.  I’ve never found the ONE diet that works for everyone (or works for me if it matters).  I also read 1-2 “leadership” articles every day and I’ve yet to find the ONE source of truth regarding what it means to be a great leader.  Tons of great content but I fail to see how any one message is the absolute end game.  Like the diet stuff, I’ve found that being a better leader/manager is all about being true to yourself and to your moral code.  

If you live and breathe it – people pay attention.

This is why I love working with Millennials – more importantly – it’s THE WHY I love working with Millennials.

Millennials – A group with the driving need to know “WHY”

I was a history major from a pretty good educational institution and a large part of my joy from the experience was the challenge my professors – every day – presented ... “WHY DID THIS HAPPEN?”

As an age group, my generation was raised to question our elders.  We’ve had success but we’re the transition team, not the end result.

I must admit some confusion when reading the abundance of articles about, “how to manage millennials.” Is it really a shock that the next generation is simply asking the exact same question that we (older folks) wanted to ask?  Did we not care about the response or were we just willing to accept (“it is what it is”) any answer?  Maybe it’s a simple progression of thought – millennials care more about the “why” then we did/do. 

So – Millennials.  A seemingly frustrating group of folks who dare to challenge the WHY of what you do every day.  Very, very cool.  Bring it.  I, like you, need to work for someone who inspires me (provides the WHY). Seek out leaders who deliver a vision + a path to success + THE WHY that success matters in the big scheme of your life. Anything less is unsatisfying.

My ask/challenge – I agree, you deserve to know the WHY.  If your manager/boss/leader can convince you of the why part, you owe it to them the opportunity to show you the HOW and WHEN.

Together, we rock this joint.  Apart, we just get to bitch about one another.

Happy New Year folks!  I hope you find your WHY in 2017 ;-)