A friend and I have an ongoing
discussion about millennials and their role in church leadership. As a group, millennials are parodied,
maligned, and caricatured as entitled, self-centered, and clueless. The truth is more complex. The millennial generation (ages approximately
23 to 30) are in our organizations now. Leaders
have a choice. They can work with
millennials, harness their potential, and equip them for the future or they can
miss an opportunity for organizational innovation and growth.
In a Leadership Network article, Eric Swanson pointed out, “Millennials don’t want to work for you;
they want to work with you.” The
millennial mindset is that of the journeyman worker--here today and gone
tomorrow. In many ways, this is
understandable. They have watched their
parents and older siblings lose their jobs even when they have been with
organizations for years and have done good work.
So how does a leader deal with
those whose motivation is based on the question, “What have you done for me
lately?” Here are some ideas.
First, since they don’t expect
lifetime employment, put them to work right away. Ask for their input, give them opportunities
to lead, and help them to learn from their successes and failures. If you don’t know how to use coaching skills,
develop them and apply those skills to working with millennials.
Second, give them the chance
to acquire new skills and abilities.
This will keep them engaged, help them to be more effective, and prepare
them for future responsibilities. The
downside to this is that they may use these skills to go elsewhere! If this happens, bless them and kick them out
of the nest. Everyone will be happier.
Third, utilize their abilities
to connect with what’s happening in our culture to innovate within your
organization. In a TED Talk, Linda Hill
said: “Talented people don’t want to follow me anywhere. They want to co-create,
with me, the future.” Co-create is the operative word here. Get them on your
team, learn what they have to offer, and give them a chance to create the
future with you.
Working with millennials is
like a conversation while on an escalator--you are always in motion, it is fun
while it lasts, but the end is in sight.
Although one may not be comfortable with this approach, failure to work
with, learn from, and encourage millennials will be a missed opportunity of
growth for you and your organization.
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