Managing Millennials
I recently found out that I am a millennial. This was news to me as I was previously unaware that my generation had already been named. I was even more surprised to learn that not only had we been named, but we had been extensively studied, written, talked and thought about. Naturally, I was fascinated. I couldn’t wait to read what the “old fogies” thought they knew about us.
Turns out, they know a lot. As I read article after article I was struck with how much I matched the description of my generation. And the more I read, the more I realized that it wasn’t just me. These descriptions fit my friends and my peers as well. Even more interesting was the multitude of articles about the challenges of both managing us and marketing to us. I had no idea we were so complicated!
It struck me that with so many people already talking about us, the time was way overdue for me to join in on the conversation. While there is plenty to read and discuss, I thought I would start with some of the key descriptions that resonated the most with me:
- Millennials have a can-do attitude at work and want feedback constantly.
- We want leadership and structure from our superiors. We need to see the whole picture to feel motivated and to understand what we are doing.
- We seek challenges and hate boredom.
- We are the ultimate multi-taskers. Growing up juggling multiple sports, activities, and school, has ingrained this skill into their lives.
- We yearn for instant gratification. With the advent of IM, email, texting and cell phones, we are used to having things quickly and being connected always.
- We are exceptionally tech savvy – and we know it. (Humble was not a word that was often used to describe us).
- And finally, we put a high value on finding the balance between work and play.
So, what do you think peers? Do these describe you? Want to know more?
I would suggest reading the articles that gave tips on how to manage us. Apparently many are of the opinion that we are a bit of a challenge to work with. This may be the case, but I know one company doing a darn good job of it. I’m sure they’d be happy to give others some advice. . .
I can across a similar blog recently (http://tinyurl.com/4hyfxk ) and left the following comment there which is, I think, relevant here too!
It is interesting stuff, though it’s been discussed for a little while now. Look for references to ‘Gen Z’ (or less often Gen C) and that’s pretty much the same thing.
What is becoming increasingly interesting to me, however, are the ‘non-age-specific’ demographics that are being identified. Generation V is a great example. While a search will tell you that the V stands for Vegan or for Vitality (as in active Boomers) the far more accepted use comes from The Gartner Group and refers not to age, but rather to a commonality of activity within which age tends to be irrelevant.
“Unlike previous generations, Generation V is not defined by age, gender, social class or geography. Instead, it is based on achievement, accomplishments and an increasing preference for the use of digital media channels to discover information, build knowledge and share insights,” says the Gartner Group.
“When people go online and participate/communicate in a flat virtual environment, the generational distinctions break down.”
see http://www.gartner.com/it/page.jsp?id=545108
This can and does have tremendous impact on the way some companies can or should conduct their marketing and communications efforts.
I very much agree with the idea that age distinctions become less relevant in the online space. Through social media, Gen X and Gen Y can come together over similar interests and attitudes. And I agree that this should of course affect any marketing strategy.
That being said, I still find it interesting to explore the distinctions and see the way in which they affect inter-personal relationships and the work environment.
Thanks for sharing the info!
Will you provide the birth years of millenials? This describes me to a T (along with all marketing peeps these days, no?).
There has been much debate over the “official” birth years of the millennial generation, but the general consensus seems to be 1980 through 2000.
Thanks, Callan. Thus far, have you felt that you’ve been managed well and are understood? Nice to be in a marketing environment, where you have the opp. to work with many of your age and generation. How does this apply to client relations?
Can I be an honorary Millenial? Many of these things apply to me as well, but I am technically a Boomer. Maybe Lauren is right about it being part of all marketing people’s DNA…
Yes Jon, as a representative of my generation I will officially grant you the title of honorary millennial. As far as it being part of marketing people’s DNA, I’m not sure these traits apply to everyone in our profession. Maybe just to the best ones. . . .
Hi Lauren,
That’s a whole other blog post full of questions to answer. Let’s discuss over lunch some time. Or fro yo. But in response to your first question, do I think I have been managed well as a millennial, certainly. I feel challenged on a daily basis, I receive plenty of feedback and acknowledgment and I am given lots of encouragement to grow. As a millennial, what more could you want!