Why Are Millennials So Challenging to Manage?

Fully understanding how the minds of Millennials work is a near-impossible task! However, it is crucial to address a few generation-defining characteristics to help enhance your understanding.

#1: MILLENNIALS VIEW THEMSELVES AND OTHERS AS EQUALS

Regardless of their co-workers’ relative seniority, level of education, or other remarkable accomplishments, Millennials view themselves and other generations as equals. You can either interpret this as a sign of entitlement or a sign of secured self-image. The perception of equivalence is partially rooted from the fact that they bring a unique skillset to the workplace, and they know it.

Millennials are fluent in technology compared to previous generations. Their recommendations often provide increased organizational efficiency, and they expect to be taken seriously for that.

#2: MILLENNIALS ARE MORE “SENSITIVE”

Previous generations considered Millennials as more sensitive. A part of it is true and it’s not all bad. Millennials have low tolerance for injustice, disrespect, and hostility.

They are willing to speak up about the quality of their experiences (i.e., the good and bad) and are willing to apply compassion in what they do. Thus, they are aware of the harm inflicted by toxic management. They are wary of its risks including burnout and diminished performance arising from unsupportive working environments.

#3: MILLENNIALS DESIRE PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

According to data from Gallup, 60% of Millennials are open to new job opportunities, making them the generation that is most likely to change jobs when they get the chance. Millennials are eager to climb the metaphorical ladder. They keep a constant eye out for professional growth.

The desire for professional growth may be influenced by social comparison and social media. From peers publishing their latest accomplishments on LinkedIn to the implicit follower counts on other platforms, Millennials often measure their accomplishments against their peers.

#4: MILLENNIALS NEED FREQUENT FEEDBACK

Millennials have seemingly insatiable craving for feedback and instant gratification. In response to technology, the Internet has become a background noise for constant positive and negative feedback. Beyond the noise, this generation has come to rely on crowd-sourced data to guide their every move.

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Regardless of whether you are giving constructive feedback or compliments, it is important to understand their expectations about frequency when determining how to communicate with them in the workplace.

HOW TO MANAGE THEM

If you are concerned about how to manage them in the workplace, you need to learn how to communicate in a way that encourages them to stay open. For instance, you may start by saying: “I am going to be frank with you about your performance because I see your potential and I trust that you can handle this feedback.”

Using this strategy frames the feedback no matter how difficult it is to deliver. Moreover, it puts your employee in a position where being receptive to feedback affirms their reputation as a respectable peer. Additionally, you can provide opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Millennials can be your greatest allies and your hardest working group of employees if you manage them correctly. Consider the generation-defining characteristics mentioned above to guide your leadership style!

Sources: 1 & 2

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Hottest Trends In Millennial Home Hunting

By year 2020, half of the global workforce will consist of Millennials. As they transcend to the top of the chain, it is important to know how they will spend their money on properties.

#1: IN WI-FI WE TRUST

Above all the hierarchy of needs, technology shines as a newcomer. It comes as no surprise that Millennials value convenience and connectedness. In fact, they are willing to pay more in order to secure their homes with smart technology. Smart technology includes electronic access, key-less locks, security cameras, voice-activated assistants, and so on. Having the ability to control your home from a smartphone is something that appeals to many buyers of this generation.

#2: HOME IS WHERE THE GREENS ARE

Eco-living has been trending nowadays as many people encourage zero waste. Vast majority of Millennials identify themselves as environmentally-conscious individuals who prefer to lead a sustainable lifestyle. This philosophy extends to their homes.

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For instance, they may opt to use Nippon Paint Odour-less or Nippon Paint Aqua Bodelac for its low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) content. VOCs are believed to cause many physical reactions to one’s body. Aside from this, they may opt for energy-efficient appliances.

#3: VERSATILITY IS KEY

Open interior layouts with less walls or partitions attract the Generation Y. You see, these open layouts allow them to socialize and to live freely. Moreover, they use one room in a variety of ways. The living room can double as a dining or a gaming room. They redecorate whenever possible.

#4: SIZE DOES NOT MATTER

When it comes to purchasing their nests, size does not matter for Millennials. Since they prioritize convenience over space, they are willing to sacrifice by living in small flats. They prefer locations closer to their offices or the public transportation modes.

#5: HERE FOR THE LONG RUN

People from Gen Y tend to purchase properties later in life. Flexible long-term payment schemes are seen as a safer option rather than paying upfront. You see, they want to live a life in their own terms.

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They do not want the responsibility to hinder them from pursuing their passions!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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