Committed to Your Success Coaching & Consulting

I find myself guilty, at times, of having some preconceived ideas about the younger generation.  We read so much about them and tend to lump them all in the same category: unmotivated, no work ethic, too relaxed, too tech-savy.  But I find that when I’m out talking to them, this is not always the case. I find that some millenials have a distaste for others in their generation that give them a bad name and perpetuate any negative stereotypes that are out there.  It begs the question then on how some are able to get motivated and some aren’t.  With the few that continue to exhibit behaviors that drive older workers, and some of their own, crazy, how does an organization motivate them to understand workplace culture and good citizenship skills? 

Gen Y’s, or the Millenials, have high expectations of themselves and of others.  They aim to work better and faster than others and expect their managers to give them tasks and duties that highlight these sklls.  They want creative challenges and tight deadlines so giving them projects with a definite end-date will motivate them to finish the job ahead of time; just be sure to reward them and have another project ready.  Give them frequent feedback that is communicated directly and recognize their accomplishments, both privately and publicly.  Find ways to connect the job to their interests, ensuring that they find meaning and fun in their work. One way to do this might be to hold work-group outings, such as picnics, sports, movies, or related activities. Providing flexibility in the way they work and how they work will help to engage them and result in high productivity; telecommuting is one way as well as relaxing the work schedule or the dress code. Y’s are known to be the rebellious generation, often challenging authority and decisions made. This negativity, while annyoying to management, is not always a bad thing as much of what they challenge and change are things that need to be changed in the workplace and ones that will alter work in the future.