It all started at my dance class a few years ago. I was having a difficult day, month, year… actually it was a time in my life when I was making a major life decision – I was wretched with fear.  Dancing was a refuge for me. I found energy and a sense of community there.  Plus, much-needed endorphins. It must have been obvious how I was feeling that day, because right after class, a dear young man – a fellow dancer in his mid 20’s – approached me. He asked what was going on, and I told him.  He looked me right in the eye and spoke strong words of encouragement and grace. I was stunned. I didn’t know him well back then, but he was bold. And he was spot on with what I needed in that moment.

A light went on that day.

I’ve always enjoyed being around young people.  As my kids were growing up, I especially loved the teen years. When my daughter was learning to drive, we’d do the morning carpool, picking up her girlfriends along the way to school.  That year, I had a little window into their chatty, energetic lives. It was fun, even though we were always running late. When she left for college, my connection to a younger crowd went away too. Until that day at dance class, I never really considered “kids” as friend material.  I figured they’d think I was old, or I’d find them ridiculous. Or worse, that I was being ridiculous.

A few weeks ago, I sat around a table of 20 somethings.  These are entrepreneurial women who gathered to talk about their businesses and ideas for social change.  We gabbed for hours about our lives and the challenges facing women of all ages.  We exchanged ideas, ate pizza, drank wine.  They wanted my input, after all, I am old enough to be their mother.  For me, though, I was more interested in listening.  They used new fangled words for tried and true concepts. And it was ok with me. The beauty was that I saw in their hearts the desire to create something that has lasting meaning. By the end of the night, I was firmly in their camp, ready to sign up for whatever Kool-Aid they were drinking. I believe in them and was thrilled to accompany them on their journey of discovery.

I call these young women friends now.  We share more ideals than I would have ever thought.  Even though their Facebook and Instagram is loaded with inspirational quotes, selfies, food pics and all, I love me some millennials.

Of late, my LinkedIn news feed is full of articles about millennials.  The news is all about how to keep them engaged in the work place, how to attract and retain talent … basically, how to get them to be more like us.

I can tell you that, as a coach and group facilitator, my work is far more dynamic when leading a multigenerational group.  Younger people are accustomed to being more vulnerable and open.  They don’t hesitate to share ideas and are not stuck on being right.

Here’s what I see:

  • they want a sense of purpose,
  • they want to feel like they have a voice at the table and
  • they want to be able to create the life they want on their terms – and will take financial risks to make it happen.

Um…. What’s wrong with those things?

I think millennials are difficult to manage because we don’t answer those questions as an organization. If we can’t tell them our mission, how can we expect them to follow?  If our corporate strategy is not about something greater than just making money, good luck getting talented people who are mission driven to stick around.  If we are not at least a little vulnerable, how can we expect to connect?

Reaching and keeping millennials doesn’t have to be that hard.  It really doesn’t.

My takeaways:

  • Organizations must have a clear and compelling mission in order for millennials to stay engaged at work. It must be part of your DNA and communicated creatively, consistently and passionately.
  • They want to know where they fit in to the big picture – which gives them a sense of purpose. Furthermore, they want to know where you fit it too.  Do you have a strong personal mission?  It’s what’s needed in order to inspire them.
  • Listening is the number one way to establish respect.  Be open to their ideas and reciprocate.  Remember, we were once them.
  • Our lives are much richer when we embrace this diversity.  It’s not a burden, it’s a blessing.

Most young people I know are begging for someone to look up to, someone who will mentor or coach them. What I get in return from these relationships is far greater than what I give.

Here’s what I think: take the bubbles, drink the Kool Aid and have fun… for reelz!

And consider this:  Kids

All the best,

Alexia

PS Feel free to share!

Alexia is a leadership coach who works with individuals and groups to help them discover their mission and experience a more meaningful life.  Contact her at alexia@alexiazigoris.com for more information or visit her website at https://alexiazigoris.com to learn more.