Enjoy this third post in our Millennials in the workplace series from the DeliberateU archives.
What has been your response to the Millennial Question? How will you fully engage the younger generation in your business? Over the last couple of weeks I have been inviting you to consider the question… and to embrace the inevitable.
The reality is that this generation will be filling the roles in all businesses. If you don’t engage, you do have other options:
Perhaps downsize, diminishing or eliminating the need to hire.
Perhaps become a “solopreneur”(do everything yourself). I suspect this option does not put a smile on your face.
We have explored the “4 institutions” that are no longer foundational to the development of our young people in the way Boomers and Gen Xers may have experienced them. I also invited you to consider two key actions and mandates that, as Christ-following leaders, are tremendous opportunities to express the beauty of the gospel and the kingdom of Jesus: The Great Commandment and The Great Commission.
Simon Sinek, thought leader on work and people, has some helpful insight into our reality as business leaders who must engage fully in the beauty and the challenge of hiring and developing talent from the millennial generation. He reminds us of 4 key areas that will likely not surprise you.
These 4 areas are having a profound impact on how many millennials are viewing and coming into the workplace. See if my thoughts below resonate for you as I reflect on Simon’s 4 key areas
1. Parenting
“Johnny Millennial” learned that:
He was the “center of the universe”. All activity and focus was on him.
He would get a trophy just for showing up at a race - even if he didn’t offer his best effort.
When he wanted something, the “universe” would turn upside down to ensure that he got whatever he needed to make him ‘happy’.
Now…in the workplace, “Johnny Millennial” doesn’t understand why he is no longer the center of the universe and why he may not get paid if he doesn’t do the work he was asked to do.
2. Technology
This thing called “Social Media” has seduced many into a world where they must be seen as happy and perfect to all who are watching them online – even if it may be far from reality. To be seen otherwise can become a serious hit to their self-esteem. Other times, their profiles reflect out-of-control, reckless behaviour without a care for potential consequences down the road.
This generation (and likely you and I too) is addicted to our devices. The science is overwhelming when it comes to the impact on our brains. In the past we have had to accommodate breaks for those with nicotine addictions. I wonder if the same is needed for those needing a chemical hit by viewing their screen.
3. Impatience
Many millennials have never not-known about computers and the Internet, let alone smartphones. Life has presented to them a world of instant access and immediate results.
“Instant” falls apart when they expect a raise but are denied because they need to grow more in their role, providing the value needed to justify the additional pay.
“Instant” also falls apart when discovering that meaningful relationships take thoughtful investment of time, energy and commitment.
4. Work Environment
Simon’s last focus is this… The situation is what it is: Many millennials are coming in to the workplace predisposed as described above.
While that may be the case, we also need results from the role in which they are employed. It is here that I make my strong case for us, as Christ-following business leaders. We have the privilege and significant challenge of leading these young people in a way that blesses them and your business. We can have a significant impact as Christ uses us to help disciple this next generation.
Here are 7 steps you can take to help millennials engage well with you and your business:
Ensure you are learning and growing as a devoted Christ-follower yourself. Are you modeling for them what’s possible in Christ? They need to see the hope of the gospel. Is that what you are presenting to them.
See the millennial not in judgment, but as they really are: image-bearers - the “Imago Dei”. See them as Christ sees them – worthy of His best!
Be CRYSTAL clear on the vision for yourself and your business. You cannot lead them to places you are not pursuing and have not experienced.
Help them discover their vision, and identify the overlap between your vision and theirs. Do this and the “buy-in” will begin to occur.
Learn to be genuinely curious about what is important to them. Within the context of time and work to be done, ask thoughtful questions. Help them know that you truly have their best interest at heart.
Leverage your values and theirs (part of the vision process), providing frequent feedback on both the good and the areas to grow. Focus on character.
Stay the course. This may be so very challenging and difficult, yet so worth the effort!
Hiring and leading millennials in our business has, quite honestly--and yes with challenge--been tremendous.
I invite you to engage in this momentous opportunity we have to participate in what Christ is doing in the workplace. He has us right there, right now with the privilege of being the gospel to a whole other generation.
Are you willing to join us?
A Deliberate Application:
Review the 3 blogs with a few other leaders.
What are you in agreement with? What challenges you? Why?
How is Christ inviting you to see millennials? Is this how you have been viewing them?
What steps will you take to lead yourself and the millennials in your world better?
