I’m a Gen-Xer. And if you are one of my fellow Gen-X or Boomer counterparts, I submit to you that you don’t have a millennial problem.
Rather, if you have millennial team members who aren’t fired up to work for you…. who don’t seem fully motivated or who don’t seem to see eye to eye with you…look in the mirror. You have a “you” problem. Put aside the stereotypes and realize that it’s not just okay, but actually healthy that others think different and have differing viewpoints from you. And realize that if you aren’t motivating and empowering any members of your team (be them younger, older, male, female, introverted, extroverted, whatever whatever), it’s on you as a leader to meet these people where they are and find a way to motivate them.
I’m a big believer in situational leadership (treating each person fairly but adjusting leadership approach depending on the person). So, I hate to generalize. But here are a few insights to consider in working with this group:
· They are hella smart and talented: you just need to find a way to harness it
· KPI’s, making “plan” and hitting financial targets aren’t enough: instead find a purpose and meaning behind the work that people can rally around, and watch productivity climb
· Don’t treat people like interchangeable parts: let each person know that they matter, and they will return the favor by creating increasing amounts of work that matters
· Culture: fire people up. Motivate them. Inspire them. Create a culture of teamwork and collaboration (no back stabbies). Create the place where people feel valued and want to work and they will work.
In summary: show that the work and the people really matter, and your team will respond by working like it really matters.
Eric Greene is a success/executive coach + team facilitator at the Greenehouse (www.GHouseCoaching.com). Work smarter. Lead better. Stress less. Have more fun doing it. And kick way more ass along the way.
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