Manage Your Millennial

It’s a new trend: Boomer women frustrated that some Millennial employees miss deadlines, take a two-hour lunch and wear flip-flops to work. But if you think Millennials are lackadaisical and unprofessional, you may be the one with the issue.

“It may be an organizational cue,” says Andrea Hershatter, associate dean and director of the BBA program Goizueta Business School at Emory University. “Boomers are notorious for procrastinating, then rushing to meet a deadline that turns out to be arbitrary. Millennials observe the folly and react accordingly.” To make work relationships successful, Hershatter advises being clear about ‘absolutes’ vs. what’s optional when it comes to everything from dress code to deadlines.

How can Boomers and Millennials solve generational conflicts in the workplace?

Millennials work best with clear guidelines and frequent supervisor interaction, adds Hershatter. A webpage or other document with employee standards will help. It should include appropriate lunch, arrival and departure hours, workplace dress, etc.

The good news? Second-year Millennial employees can guide operational processes and deadlines for a first-year employee. Best bet? Cross mentoring – where Boomers and Millennials exchange knowledge. Boomers can teach Millennials appropriate workplace interaction, the need for depth and context.

Millennials can then bring Boomers up to speed on technology and resources that enable efficient, effective and timely decision-making. Discover how Millennial you are and learn how reverse mentoring can help in your workplace.

Bonus PINK Link: Mentoring can also help boost your company’s bottom line. Here’s How.

Minute Mentor: In this PINK TV segment, Joan Coonrod explains how Millennials are a vital resource at work.

By Cynthia Good

“If you want happiness for a lifetime – help the next generation.” Chinese Proverb