5 Tips for Fixing the Generational Mess

How can we fix the generational mess we’re in?

Some problems are are easier to solve than others. It’s tough to teach perseverance to a 30 year old. Or how to deepen bonds of loyalty to a 25 year old.

But here are some quicker fixes that every office can implement:

1. Model

The best educational tool is modeling. You as the owner, or manager must act with forbearance, hang tough and offer encouragement to those around you. You can “talk the talk,” but at the end of the day, if you really want to make an impact, you must “walk the walk.”

2. Ban Cell Phones

Cell phones should be banned from the conference room. Period. Break the addiction and remove the temptation. Don’t even bring them into the room and lay them on the table face down: they still buzz when facedown. Think about it: when you’re sitting there cellphone-less waiting for a meeting to start what do you do? Make conversation with the people around you! That’s how relationships are formed, not through Facebook.

3. Manage Expectations

Explain to a Millennial employee how long a job or process should take to get up and running. Timeline milestones to keep enthusiasm high and set goals to realistically achieve, with incentives for going beyond the call of duty. Help them develop patience through real life timetables. Create and implement a Path of Ascension.

4. Make it Meaningful

Explore how the millennial's job does impact the broader world. Tell the parable about the 3 bricklayers who each saw their job as a reflection of their aspirations. One laid bricks, the second made beautiful architecture, the third built a House of God. Every decent job contributes to the society around us. Make sure your company has its MVPs in place, Mission, Values & Purpose.

5. Start the Relationship

Develop a personal interest in your younger teammates. Ask about their families, how they’re doing at home, and show genuine concern for their triumphs and troubles. Gently get across that you expect them to show reciprocal interest in your life as well. Depth of connection may be old fashioned, but it’s tried and true.

Do you have any suggestions that have worked for you in developing your Millennial team? Send them in to info@brandlauncher.com for a chance to get featured in an upcoming blog.