On Understanding Millenials
People older than 35, this is for you :)
This is my best take on understanding Millennials, the demographic of people born after 1980 and before 2000. I'm a borderline Millennial myself, barely slipping into this group :) I do not claim to fully understand Millennials, these are just my thoughts and understanding of this generation. Hopefully it helps in some way.
The one major differentiator for this generation is, they have grown up in a completely digital world. They have never really known a world without internet, computers, cell phones and etc. This digital world has given them unparalleled access to information and this has become the norm for them.
Here are a few highlights of what I see from Millennials (focusing on the positive traits):
- Millennials care. You see many millennial caring about social issues and about others. They are aware that they are privileged and want to share and help other less fortunate people. They care about the well being of others.
- Millennials are smart and educated. Thanks to the internet and access to information, there is little millennials do not know, information-wise. Their entire existence has been in a digital world with almost instant access to information. They are sharp and usually learn fast.
- Millennials need to understand why. Millennial are not likely to accept something, just because they were told it or told to do it. Previous generations could accept being told what to do with little or no questions asked. I think access to information has changed this though. Now people can verify everything in mere moments and are less willing to just "take your word for it". Because of this they don't work well under authoritarian type structures. Millennials need to know the why, then they will happily get behind the cause.
- Millennials can work hard and often work best without micromanagement. They do however want to feel like the work they are doing is appreciated and good.
- Millennials work best under empathetic and loving leadership. They do not need to be kicked into gear. They need to be trusted and allowed to run with their creativity. Some past generations needed more direction and oversight. Millennials tend to not need as much direction and oversight. They flourish under leadership that is there to listen and guide, but not micromanage and "crack the whip".
- Millennials do not need to be be told how to do everything. Millennials are not
like some previous generations who needed to be told when to show up for work and how to dress and etc. For the most part, they have more of the basics down, than some of the previous generations.
- Millennials seek authenticity. And transparency. In everything. Friendships, relationships, work, school... They have a good sense for fakes, for inauthentic experiences. They are fine with challenging the status quo if the status quo is no longer valid or genuine.
- Millennials seek open and collaborative environments. Work has changed. The work place has become a lot more open and collaborative. Millennials recognize the power of collaboration and thrive in such environments. The environment needs to be open though and free from fear where ideas can be heard and shared without criticism. This is something they seek in all environments, not just work.
This is my best take on understanding Millennials, the demographic of people born after 1980 and before 2000. I'm a borderline Millennial myself, barely slipping into this group :) I do not claim to fully understand Millennials, these are just my thoughts and understanding of this generation. Hopefully it helps in some way.
The one major differentiator for this generation is, they have grown up in a completely digital world. They have never really known a world without internet, computers, cell phones and etc. This digital world has given them unparalleled access to information and this has become the norm for them.
Here are a few highlights of what I see from Millennials (focusing on the positive traits):
- Millennials care. You see many millennial caring about social issues and about others. They are aware that they are privileged and want to share and help other less fortunate people. They care about the well being of others.
- Millennials are smart and educated. Thanks to the internet and access to information, there is little millennials do not know, information-wise. Their entire existence has been in a digital world with almost instant access to information. They are sharp and usually learn fast.
- Millennials need to understand why. Millennial are not likely to accept something, just because they were told it or told to do it. Previous generations could accept being told what to do with little or no questions asked. I think access to information has changed this though. Now people can verify everything in mere moments and are less willing to just "take your word for it". Because of this they don't work well under authoritarian type structures. Millennials need to know the why, then they will happily get behind the cause.
- Millennials can work hard and often work best without micromanagement. They do however want to feel like the work they are doing is appreciated and good.
- Millennials work best under empathetic and loving leadership. They do not need to be kicked into gear. They need to be trusted and allowed to run with their creativity. Some past generations needed more direction and oversight. Millennials tend to not need as much direction and oversight. They flourish under leadership that is there to listen and guide, but not micromanage and "crack the whip".
- Millennials do not need to be be told how to do everything. Millennials are not
like some previous generations who needed to be told when to show up for work and how to dress and etc. For the most part, they have more of the basics down, than some of the previous generations.
- Millennials seek authenticity. And transparency. In everything. Friendships, relationships, work, school... They have a good sense for fakes, for inauthentic experiences. They are fine with challenging the status quo if the status quo is no longer valid or genuine.
- Millennials seek open and collaborative environments. Work has changed. The work place has become a lot more open and collaborative. Millennials recognize the power of collaboration and thrive in such environments. The environment needs to be open though and free from fear where ideas can be heard and shared without criticism. This is something they seek in all environments, not just work.
Yes, yes and yes. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI just attended a conference last week for Library Tech's from all over the province and the keynote speaker (an older gentleman) literally said everything that you've written down. I was trying to take notes but couldn't keep up.
It was refreshing to see him adore his kids who, while in conversation with him, google to see if what he says is true and text their fellow sibling to "make fun" of dad.
This is the greatest era to be born into, now if we could just be understood....
This is awesome! I commented on your earlier post about many of my hero's are young people. I love your generation. Birthed three children from 1981 until 1988....... You are all capable of changing this declining world.. I am thrilled about what you wrote; plus I totally agree. Take this life and shape it into something of worth, Millenials........
ReplyDeleteNail + head = this post
ReplyDeleteYou just described me and my way of thinking word for word. This is my generation.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right. Bang on Luke!
ReplyDelete-Angie