7 Lessons On Managing Millennials (by Millennials)

Advice given by millennials to baby boomer management consultant Melanie Katzman.

1. No Bullshit

Via tumblr.com

Millennials want the truth, even if it includes failures and misjudgments. “We have no tolerance for bullshit, but lots of empathy for error and the humanness of work.” Perfection isn’t inspiring, resiliency is.

2. Real Talk

Via ak-hdl.buzzfed.com

Executives who rely too much on buzzwords might find their words fall on deaf ears. “We don’t trust anything that smells of corporate speak. If it has the words ‘alignment, vertical, streamline, optimize,’ we won’t read it.”

3. Get to Know Your Employees

Via ak-hdl.buzzfed.com

Senior executives need to actively seek conversations with their younger employees. Saying it’s okay is different than building the bridge. Provide the invitation.

4. Hiding Isn't an Option

Via tumblr.com

Share your vulnerabilities and true self. The days of hiding behind closed corporate doors are over. We live in an age of transparency. Be yourself. Human is good.

5. Transparency is Key

Via tumblr.com

Share information regularly – and don’t worry about filtering it. Don’t wait to have the right or complete answer. Airtight messages are distrusted.

6. Be Present

Via ak-hdl.buzzfed.com

People want to know YOU. Town halls, lunches, coffees, even a quick walk are great ways of letting people in. “Don’t give us hashtags and google chat rooms as an answer – we want a physical presence.”

7. Why?

Via tumblr.com

Be able to explain to your younger employees why what they’re doing matters. “Show me the impact of my work on the consumer, and the world.”

Dr. Melanie Katzman is a noted academic, author, psychologist, strategic advisor and founder of Katzman Consulting. Check out her article on millennials and baby boomers teaming up in the workplace at Medium.com. Follow Melanie on Twitter at @melaniekatzman.