Everyone appreciates the 'thanks' or 'good job' at the end of the day. But, next week is Valentine's Day, why not show your team how much you truly care.
Stop and take time to have coffee with an employee. No agenda, just chat.
Sharing your time is a very powerful form of recognition, sharing is caring.
Did you know that:
Start February off right! Set great goals for yourself and your team.
Newsflash! Millennials (less than 32 years old in the workplace) are a collaborative generation. They think globally and in terms of team, and that’s a good thing!
Did you know that working in teams enhances creativity and helps build trust? Other benefits include increased efficiency and productivity. Furthermore, diverse perspectives give way to diverse solutions.
So, how can you capitalize on this knowledge? Well, for starters, take advantage of their desire to build strong teams, it will make your organization stronger. And, aim to use ‘we’ rather than ‘I’ when you talk about projects, assignments and work.
We are all in this together. There is no ‘I’ in team. Sorry, I couldn't resist!
Did you just roll your eyes?
Chances are, you have heard the myths about Millennials and you might even have a story or two of your own. I get it, I know it’s easy to assume you know what they are going to say or judge it as unworthy.
The truth is, you don’t know what they are going to say. So do yourself, your company and the Millennial a favor and STOP, DROP and DON’T ROLL your eyes. Listen instead.
Millennials value being heard and can help you innovate and adapt to the new pace of change. They see the world differently than you do. So do your customers.
Embrace this opportunity and collaborate.
Do you remember that bumper sticker? If you do, you’re a Boomer and I’m glad you are reading this ‘cause the rules have changed!
It’s not about share price and income for your Millennial employees. For them, it’s about making a difference, moving up, and making it home for dinner by 5pm.
We were told “Get a job”.
They were told “Get a job you love”.
So, if you have Millennials working with you, help them love their job. Help them understand how they fit into the company, how their work serves a bigger purpose and how they can move up.
Turns out Millennials not only realize the value of a mentor, they actually seek out more than one.
Why are they so hungry for guidance? Because they grew up being coddled and protected - thank you helicopter parents! Gen X'ers and Boomers grew up with classes that prepared them for the adult world (think Home Economics), most Millennials are still trying to figure out ‘#adulting’.
So here's the opportunity. Millennials need help learning the ropes and Boomers need help navigating the new world. Try pairing up these workers and try a little 'reverse mentoring'. It's a win-win if each group can always be Humble and Kind.
How do you like your feedback?
Another difference across the generations is how often we like feedback.
For Traditionalists (70 years+), no news is good news.
For Boomers (52 years+), if it helps with job performance, status or promotion, then let me know.
For Gen X (32-51 years), more frequent feedback is better and explain WHY the preferred way is preferred.
Millennials (under 32 in the workplace) were raised on constant feedback and yes, it was mostly positive. They were set up for success with opportunities for do-overs, rails on their bowling lanes, markers that didn’t color outside the lines. This is good news! They are open to fast, to-the-point feedback.
My favorite tool for instructions and feedback is using the SMART method. To read more about the impact, read this Forbes article.
Bottom line, give Millennials quick pats on the back and meaningful feedback. It helps them learn and helps you engage and retain them.
I’ve been training and coaching virtually every day for the past 20 years and I’ve cracked the code on how to engage customers, teams and coworkers through the screen. Would you like to know the secrets?
If you've got a presentation in your future - don't wait, email or call today.
Ward Certified Consulting, LLC