All the cars were rented the day we were hoping to cruise around Kauai, so I put my motorcycle license to use. Harley-Davidson is not only one of the most trusted brands in America, it has been one of the top American stocks over the last 30 years for good reason. HD is committed to quality and to their riders. What do they get in return? Commitment right back.
Stay away from hefty long-term contracts. (9 of 9 in series)
Millennials are just as committed as boomers, but it looks a whole lot different. Whereas boomers and prior generations were committed to companies, Gen Y is committed to meaningful missions. They get passionate about social issues and think of organizations as platforms to carry out their purpose/mission. According to Marcus and Jane Buckingham, millennials are expected to have at least seven positions during their careers.
Set and expect high ethical standards. (8 of 9 in series)
The 2013 Edelman Trust Barometer found that only 17.5% of people around the globe trust their business and government leaders. The sad truth is that Gen Y expects ethical mishaps from many of their leaders and they’re probably personally influenced by grimy college experiences and superficial reality television shows. There is great opportunity for improvement, and Gen Y wants it.
Provide the newest technology. (7 of 9 in series)
The lives of Gen Y mark the dawn of post-humanism. Gadgets are like an extension of a millennial, allowing them to work better and faster. And, they’ve projected and marketed avatars of themselves through social media for a decade. They become quickly frustrated using techniques and tools that are outdated, because they know better technology will allow them to work smarter, not harder, and get better results. Provide the latest technology that makes sense, provide opportunities to sell you on the value of other technology, and seriously consider the impact. You might be surprised at how many resources they’re aware of, and how they can help.
Give flexibility instead of a strict 9-to-6 Monday through Friday schedule. (6 of 9 in series)
According to a recent Fox Small Business report, 85% of Americans say that their stress is a serious health issue. American millennials desperately want to find a healthy balance. They’re victims to some of the world’s worst divorce rates, and they don’t want their children to experience the same hardships. Part of their strong desire for meaning is fulfilled through flexibility that allows them to scamper away from the office for their daughter’s early Monday afternoon piano recital, to have lunch with their family on Wednesday, and to hit the gym on Thursday morning. The lines between work and home are blurred for Gen Y. They’re happy to make up time over the weekend and interested to work from their home office using Skype and Google Docs. Bring happiness to your millennials through flexibility and accountability, and you’ll gain deeper commitment, and, in turn, better results.
Situate them in workspaces conducive to collaboration. (5 of 9 in series)
Millennials are also known as “generation we” because of their strong social mindset. Despite growing up in the most individualistic nation in history, American millennials think and act quite socially. They know that better results and meaning come through collaboration. They’re used to the flat connected world and used to working with people from varying cultures. Gen Y knows that strategizing and executing with 3 or 8 or 21 varying perspectives leads to high caliber and balanced results. Consider setting up your office in a way that’s more conducive to collaboration and get increased productivity by letting millennials work and compete on teams.
Avoid managing like a helicopter boss. (4 of 9 in series)
Gen Y’s distaste for institutions makes them a different experience to manage. Their objectives for meaningfulness and fulfillment make them best-off to manage with a coaching tilt. They find fulfillment and meaning in their own personal development, and managers can function as catalysts in the process. They need their managers to give deadlines and hold them accountable to deliverables, but they respond best to managers who come alongside of them, remove barriers, and give constant feedback. Millennials want this type of customized constant feedback from their leaders because it’s what they’re used to. They were told they were special as kids and received trophies even for 9th and 10th place, they’re accustomed to Amazon and Pandora learning and catering to their interests, and they like it when their text messages and Facebook statuses receive instantaneous responses. They desire their leaders to give customized honest coaching that helps them develop personally and get better professional results. Stay away from fear tactics, hovering over shoulders, and invading space. Find customized positive methods to assure results, and you’ll gain sustainable shared success.
“Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.”
Nelson Mandela sacrificed 27 years of his life in prison for the people of South Africa. Mandela was committed, loyal and passionate about his mission. Nothing could replace his burning desire to see an anti-apartheid South Africa disbanded.
He sacrificed his life for a cause that would make an impact beyond himself. As the world mourns his death, it is also an opportunity to celebrate a life well lived and learn from a man who exemplified commitment and compassion.
What are you doing here and now that is having a lasting, positive impact in your family, business and community?
This fall has had me traveling plenty and sharing a message I am passionate about. However, I am also passionate about my family and faith. Last weekend I took my youngest daughter to Camp Shamineau for Father/Daughter weekend. Two weekends ago I went to a hermitage (Pacem Iin Terris) for a silent retreat. Both were powerful, fun, refreshing and realigning. It is so good to get away, step back, and realign with what is truly important. I believe I am called to my work and my family and my God. And it is worth getting away and checking alignment on all priorities from time to time. For work, consider getting away to an inspiring conference. For family, consider going to a marriage conference or on a camping trip. Getting away can lead to clarity on priorities and can also inspire one to take action on the little things that make the biggest difference in every area of life.
