Millennial Clash Course

I remain convinced that generational differences clash in no other area of the workplace as consistently and loudly as they do around the topic of communication and the use of technology, especially when it comes to talking about the Millennial generation in the workplace. Many factors have influenced the distinct characteristics of the Millennial generation. Chief and unique among the factors is the way they are tethered to technology in every aspect of their daily lives. This does not infer mean that they are all competent to troubleshoot and/or create in the technology wheelhouse. They are, however, 100% dependent on the proper functioning of their personal devices.

Millennials, born between 1981 and 2000, have come of age in an era of instantaneous global communication, media saturation, and material excess. If you peek into “a day in the life of Millennials,” it includes heads down on multiple devices, most notably iPhones. Reality television, Facebook, and Google have contributed to Millennial’s belief that quick answers are available on every topic and that putting everything out there for all to see is the order of the universe.

In business, I’ve discovered that a generational lens gives you a great set of handles on someone—and gives that person handles on you—insight into behaviors, values, outlooks and workplace approaches. With Millennials, the goal is to work with them to turn their “always on” attitude to a business advantage. Smart leaders focus on developing Millennials extensive social networking circles and technology savvy. They evaluate the effectiveness of workplace technology to help Millennials work most efficiently. Working with this generation and not against them creates a magnet for Millennials extraordinary talents.

When dealing with Millennials, think of yourself as a foreigner in a foreign land. Get to know the language, customs and the reasons why Millennials are the way they are. It isn’t about tolerating other’s differences; it’s about truly appreciating our differences.