There reaches a point in every millennial’s life when they begin to ask, “Is this it?” And the “is” isn’t just about work; it’s about our lives. As a generation, we are an inherently intuitive group of people that ‘feel’ into situations. And by ‘feel’ I mean, that we relate to our emotions; we’re connected with a deeper sense. It’s not to say that other generations don’t have this – we are human after all – but the reality is, we millennials are more likely to express it.
For some who aren’t used to an honest, open, in some parts direct approach this can feel somewhat disconcerting – I’d even say challenging (in the ruffled features type of way). Especially those who aren’t used to said approaches. However, for millennials, it’s a natural stance; it’s part of who we are.
While challenges may come from others in our lives, those who don’t necessarily understand who we are at the core, it offers so much; so much learning, so much ‘lead by example’, so much to learn. What our generation does is open our hearts, and we let others know not just what we feel, but how we feel, in the ways that affect us. And the vulnerability that comes with that – like the workplace conversation around pay, or our ways of working, or our mental health needs – we place in the hands of our managers, our colleagues, and those in our lives who interact with us every day.
Why? Because we care. We care about our lives and those of others, doing the right thing, creating impact, looking after ourselves, leaving a legacy, raising children ethically, doing the right thing for the planet, and making sure our lives are balanced in a way that provides meaning, purpose and fulfilment that might not be the same way as our parents or grandparents, or ancestors – but is for us. It’s a different way of being and living. Creating a new narrative that is based on fulfilment rather than what’s “right”, “wrong” or the “shoulds” that tend to govern most of our world. But it’s not just an approach, it’s a way of living: inherent to the millennial generation. We have so much to offer those who are willing to see and to listen to our views, our perspectives, our wants, and needs.
Times are changing and they have changed. The paradigms of the world are breaking apart and being led by new voice, new perspective, and a desire to do things differently: at work, at home, for the planet and for humanity. And you might be asking ‘How does this translate into business? The workplace, and our lives as colleagues, as managers and leaders?’ Because those roles – how we show up – are not separate: they are part of us.
There is so much to learn from a generation who are fundamentally trying to shift this plane, trying to shift our humanity and our collective ways of working across this world, in a way that represents and, in most parts, reflects, who we are: a utopian view of our existences, of everything we do in life, operating in a cohesive way that offers value to us and our lives.
So, when we ask ourselves the question “Is this is it?”, we know it isn’t. We know there is more. This is why, we’ll roll up our sleeves, and move into a new way of being and doing: a new reality of operating and existing; fueled by the innovative mindsets we have, the new ideas that are born every day and a willingness to want to create a meaningful life, for us and those around us.
For managers, use this to your advantage. For colleagues, understand there is much to be gained. And for workplaces all around the world, listen. Because you have the key to prosperity at the tips of your fingers.
![I’m sick of entitled millennials who [fill in the blank]](jpg/how-to-keep-your-millennial-employees-engaged-200x150.jpg)
