They can be applauded for the positive things they bring to a work place – they’re open minded, often confident and easily able to self-express themselves and they love learning so they can progress upwards in their career.
They can also be berated for being lazy, narcissistic and sometimes move from job to job more frequently than others consider ‘normal’.
I recently met with an employer and we talked about how as people managers we need to be able to work with the different generations. We both agreed that it’s all about communication – how we talk to one another both with respect, care and consideration. Being aware of this is the first step to working positively together to make the best ourselves, in our work, and in our business.
To be successful, as employers and as employees we need to understand the differences between the generations in the workplace. We need to understand what motivates them, learn their communication preferences, and adopt multiple forms of communication.
So rather than make millennials or any other generation wrong, the question to be asked is “how best do we manage ourselves and the others in our team so we have success in our working lives?”
Keeping up with technology and developing new communications skills are a great start. These key skills will allow all generations to continue to learn and grow and become more understanding of each other.
What do you think?
By Raewyn Anderson
Ph: 027 590 0110