I remain involved in the business world through formal Board activity and volunteer organizations. I have heard a lot of discussion about the future regardless of the setting and eventually that always turns to a review of the Millennial generation. Everyone seems to have their own view of these people who many of us “Boomers” raised. I have been exposed to a lot research that dives below the surface of the label to understand how to motivate and engage the next generation. Why is this so critical today? Our leadership is aging and although we might live longer more productive lives, we need to prepare for the transition. Politics is a good example of the point – the average age of the Congressional delegation is nearing 60 and continues to go up. The last statistics from the banking industry showed that a significant percentage of leadership in those organizations was well over 60. The United States just elected the oldest person to be President for a first term.. Boards are working to diversify in all regards and those who are enlightened are looking for younger leaders to keep them informed and prepare for the inclusion and leadership of Millennials. So who are these kids? Definitions vary but birth dates range from 1980 to 1984 and end in the early 2000’s. That’s over 80 million Millennials in the United States alone. Yes, there are Millennials by a different name across the Globe. No wonder they are receiving so much attention.
One enlightened company that I am affiliated with is working on how to attract and retain members of the generation. As a portion of the Board’s strategic plan review we watched a video by Simon Sinek on Millennials in the workplace. I encourage you to watch it and take another few minutes to listen to a few of his TED talks on Leadership. Sinek explains the generation from his perspective and how we can best communicate and motivate. In the process he provides some thought provoking ideas for all generations. The reliance on social media and smart phones has changed our world and often controls it. Sinek describes the “high” we get from “likes” on our posts and the “low” when we are “unfriended”. Each affirmation or even text or twitter message releases “dopamine” which is a neurotransmitter that helps control the brain’s reward and pleasure centers. Addicted to your phone may result in your strongest relationship not including interpersonal skills that are developed by actually talking to someone face to face. Sinek suggests that no one is allowed to bring a phone to a business meeting that includes placing it face up or down on the table. When he goes out with friends only one person has a phone just in case there is an emergency–a designated driver. My family is just as guilty as most of paying partial attention to each other and always having a phone in their hand or on the table, see if you can find a few ways to stimulate dopamine release that do not involve screen time.
Time Magazine “When Millennials Rule” this week is worth reading. The article highlights 4 young mayors from across the United States. Svante Myrick at 24 became the youngest Mayor of Ithica, New York. Four year later in 2015 he was re-elected with 89% of the vote. “The Hall of Justice” has just two rules: a nightly game of beer pong and a ban on talking politics after 8 p.m. Three other young leaders are highlighted with each bringing their own leadership and ideas to office. Erin Stewart of New Britain, Connecticut sits down at her computer an hour before each city council meeting and launches a Facebook live to update residents on the agenda, new plans for paving roads, hiring police officers and building bridges – and she answers questions real time. The video get hundreds of comments and more than 3000 views. Erin is bringing Government to the people. Matt Gentry the mayor of Lebanon, Indiana has a version of a “swear bucket” in his office. If a decision is explained as “that’s how we have always done it”, it costs you 25 cents. The generation is not used to waiting and maybe that is the leadership style that will move us beyond the current partisan stalemate we are enduring at the Federal level.
The future is bright – our younger generation looking for ways to overcome the status quo. Enjoy the week end. Mike