Being faced with the behaviours that millennials display has led to the unfortunate conclusion that millennials are difficult to relate to and a challenge to engage.
Are millennials really how we think they are? As in most stereotypes, there is some truth that lies in the statements above. However, we must be cautious with our assumptions and instead take the time to really understand the generation we are dealing with.
Understanding what makes this generation's heartbeat is key to be able to engage them and leverage the strengths and opportunities that this generations promises.
Aspirations of Millennials
Millennials aspire to do meaningful work that they are passionate about. On top of this they want to be given the opportunity for self-development and recognition for what they do. They don’t care as much about a fancy company car or a big bonus, they measure their career success by internal success criteria, such as satisfaction with their job.
Find MEaning in Work
To be frank, don’t you think everyone of us would love to engage in work we are passionate about and that we feel is meaningful? A recent study found that across all generations, 9 out of 10 employees are willing to trade in meaningful work against a percentage of their income. Nearly 80% of respondents preferred having a leader who is investing in helping them find meaning in their work, rather than a 20% increase of their salary.
You can be the the leader who enables your young employees to find meaning in their work by inspiring them with a shared vision and helping them see the big picture they are contributing to every day.
In a bid to grow, advance, and be in a job that best aligns with their needs and life goals, millennials may appear to be “flighty” employees, constantly shopping for a job and being ready to hop. On the other hand, this also means they are highly appreciative of the feedback you give them, whether it’s praise or criticism.
MOTIVATION & Recognition
More importantly, they see being given opportunities for personal and professional development in itself as a form of reward and recognition. Therefore, don’t rely solely on monetary rewards such as increases in salary or bonuses - millennials need intrinsic motivation to live out their strengths.
Sometimes, all you need to do is engage them in conversation and find out how they prefer to be coached and developed and what it is that makes their heart beat a bit faster. As important as it is to understand this generation, it is even more important to understand the individual that sits in front of you.
Amidst daily tasks and challenges, having real conversations is often left aside, the recognition millennials need in forms of affirmation being left unspoken. You might think your millennials know they’re valued without having to tell them, but this can become a big source of miscommunication in the future if it’s not addressed.
Regular one-on-one check-in and feedback sessions can be implemented to give your millennial employees the recognition they need and on top of this, they will allow you to keep track of their progress and development.
What kind of leadership is needed then, to really engage this generation?
Real Leaders for Millennials
Real leaders are authentic leaders, who strive to make a positive impact on individuals and the community they live in. They are strong in character, uphold their convictions with courage, they are credible leaders and they are able to shape culture. On top of this real leaders are competent in what they do, they are mindful to create an inclusive environment and they are compassionate leaders who drive performance within their organisation.
To satisfy the leadership needs of millennials, you must genuinely want them to grow and succeed. Don't just think about your own expertise - be the real leader who equips others with the requisite knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to perform and give them the freedom to explore new ways of development and personal growth.
You can create an inclusive environment in which your millennials feel belonged and as a significant part of the team. Show them that you value their feedback, encourage them to speak up and listen to what they have to say.
It is important for you to be compassionate in your leadership, caring and empathising with them and showing concern for your millennials holistic development. Give them the support they need to go through the life and work challenges they face.
Millennials look up to you, if you have a strong character that is built on morals, ethics and noble values. As advocates for making the world a better place, millennials will be proud to have a real leader who applauds pro-social behaviours for the common good of others in the community.
Be the role model that this generation is looking for, stand strong to your values and beliefs, and uphold them even when faced with opposition and crisis.
As a real leader, you will be able to really make a difference in their lives, impacting them positively and bringing them to new heights.
Millennials won’t stick with a leader who doesn’t see their potential or has no interest in growing them. They will however give the best they can for a real leader, who has their best interest at heart and who is able to engage and inspire them, even in challenging and uncertain times.
Inspiring a compelling vision, engaging to commit beyond the expected and achieving positive outcomes for themselves, teams and organisations - this is what millennials need from their leaders. Your millennial employees need you to be a real leader.
How can you become a real leader? Find out more in our Real Leaders brochure!