Millennials are quickly becoming the majority in the workforce. With each passing year, more baby boomers are retiring and being replaced with millennials. The change in philosophies and values has many questioning how to address millennials in the workplace. Often tied to specific stereotypes, millennials are known for their desire for a work-life balance and the need to know why a task is being completed.
With millennials taking over the workforce, it is important to understand what these employees look for in their leader. The biggest problem when it comes to addressing millennial employees is the idea that millennials are somehow built differently than the older generation. While in many ways there are differences in desires and goals, the attributes that create a “good boss” are similar. Four things play a factor: trust, long-term goals, development and asking good questions.
Are You Trustworthy?
Millennials, and employees of any age, want to work for a person who is trustworthy. Being an owner that has integrity will go a long way in retaining and attracting employees. If a leader is honest and stands up for their employees and what they believe in, he or she will garner trust from their employees. But the main question is, “can I trust you?”
If an employee trusts and likes their boss from a professional standpoint, it’s possible to overcome road bumps throughout the years.
The relationship between an employee and their boss is very similar to that between a husband and wife. When you are looking for a spouse, you are searching for someone that you can trust and love despite the potential pitfalls that may come along the journey. It’s the same way with leadership. If an employee trusts and likes their boss from a professional standpoint, it’s possible to overcome road bumps throughout the years. Being trustworthy is a must when it comes to leading millennials in the workplace.
Be Cognizant of Employee Goals
A good leader or company has to provide a work environment that leaves people feeling energized to accomplish the next task. This can be done by creating an atmosphere that connects with the employees’ ambitions and goals in life. If employees feel there is a disconnect between their job and where they want to be in the future, it can lead to misery. So, building that connection and emphasizing that you want to help them reach their personal goals is vital.
It is important to emphasize that the end result is focused on the employees’ goals and not the personal goals of the company. Oftentimes, business owners will focus on the company’s purpose by creating flowery mission statements. While this generates buzz in the beginning, the excitement eventually dies out once employees realize it doesn’t help them on a personal level.
Develop Employees
While every job is important in a particular business, employees want to feel like they are growing and learning new things. Creating an environment that breeds growth is paramount for a leader who has mostly millennial employees. People want to grow and get better, so you’ve got to show them how working
Ask Good Questions
One of the most underrated and undervalued skills that a leader should have is the ability to ask good questions. Ironically, it takes more energy to ask questions and be a good listener than it does to speak. Most owners believe they need to talk and constantly be casting the vision for their company, but that isn’t always the case. Learn to be curious. Oftentimes, you can bring out the most in people by continuing to ask questions.
Learn to keep digging by asking
follow-up questions to find out how the employee is truly feeling.
Zac Garside is director of sales and marketing for Power Selling Pros. During his time at Power Selling Pros, he has been a coach and trainer with the company, working with hundreds of companies and vendors during his tenure. His passion for the industry illuminates through his ability to discover clients’ pain points and offer solutions for success.