As discussed in Part 1, the New Generation Leader must make a number of shifts in order to be a more effective leader of Millennials. So, what are the key shifts needed?
First, the new generation leader must be authentic, approachable, and engaged. Millennials know the difference between a real human connection and a communication transaction. Leaders need to touch their hearts and connect to their minds to inspire and motivate them. This requires the ask- don’t tell- approach. Questions are one of the most powerful tools to engage the team members.
Second, Millennials want to be a part of something meaningful. Their work environment, service, and culture must have a meaning and an impact on making the world a better place.
Third, Millennials expect to have a voice. They want to learn, understand, grow, and be empowered. These are essential ingredients for a job that offers more than a salary and inspires loyalty.
Fourth, as a New Generation Leader, one must provide two-way feedback. The workforce today seeks to know and understand. They expect to be able to voice their needs to their leaders. After all, they have been coaching their parents throughout their lives and they taught most of us all we know about technology, social media, and applications that change our lives daily.
Fifth, this leadership approach requires mastering open-ended questions that discovers not directs; that compliments not competes, and allows for new ways to emerge, not rely on the old standards of the past.
Finally, the millennial’s world is small and connected. There is no concept of inequity or a lack of value for diversity. Everyone counts. It is a world of inclusion not exclusion. Their world is balanced, and work is not the sole source of their satisfaction. Having flexibility is paramount to how work is accomplished, with whom, and when. This is a concept that must be encouraged not discouraged.
Simon Sinek’s recent studies on millennial workers is both helpful and relevant to this discussion. Sinek believes that companies today must shape their millennial talent with a new generation of leadership. As the world’s rate of change continues to accelerate, new global challenges will demand innovation. The millennials will continue to live in a world of ever increasing and exponential change. It is our job to become New Generational Leaders who coach and grows these new leaders. In doing so, it will support the needs of today’s workforce and prepare them for a brighter future, one filled with incredible opportunities and challenges that will change our world forever.
Reference:
Molly Brennan.. https://www.hrtechnologist.com/articles/leadership-succession/millennials-boomers-amp-the-leadership-gap/
Simon Sinek.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vudaAYx2IcE
