In a meeting at a client company that viewed millennials as being problematic, I stated my continuing belief that many millennials had a good work ethic and were highly motivated. By way of example, I went on to talk about the many high school students who work hard to get into a good college.
My client responded that, while my example may be true, their millennial employees were not people who went to college, did not have a strong work ethic and were difficult to manage. At that time, I didn't have a good response. And the book I just read, while giving much information about millennials, didn't help in regard to millennials in non-professional positions. My research continues.
I'm on my second book now. It tends to be more practical and applied. It also deals with millennials in lower skill entry-level positions. I've just finished the third chapter.
You may be wondering why I haven't mentioned the book titles. Simply because I want to finish the three so I can compare them for you. At that time I will make any appropriate recommendations. In the meantime, you will find the books that I've been recommending for years on my recommended reading list in the right hand column of the blog.
I also urge those of you who have information to share regarding millennials to comment on this post or to e-mail me with comments. Click here for my e-mail address.
About Pelleyblog: Pelleyblog is designed to be a resource for supervisors and other first line managers. Currently most of our readers are from Rhode Island (RI), Central Massachusetts (MA) and Eastern Connecticut (CT). But everyone interested in management topics is welcome. We also welcome your participation. Feel free to comment on this or any other post.
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5 comments:
Maybe the client you were speaking with should be more concerned with their hiring criteria rather than stereotyping millennials. It would seem that if "their millennials" are not hard-working, perhaps they should modify their standards to employ those who are hard-working. We all know plenty of people looking for jobs...
Hey Carrie, I agree with you. I also have a question: Are you by any chance a millennial yourself?
Yes I am. I take pride in my work and always do my best. I hate being grouped with a few people my age who are not as dedicated and proud as I am. Although I realize that some young people are lazy...so are some of the older generation. My mother taught me to always take pride in my work and that's a lesson that has gotten me where I am today.
Hi Carrie --
You and I are in sync here. I've worked for many, many years and there have always been people who range from completely lazy to highly motivated. That's why I am cautious in my approach to learning about millennials.
Hey Skipper --
Been a while since you visited. I'm curious here. Why did you ask Carrie if she was a millennial?
I've appreciated reading Carrie's comments and generally agree with her. If she was a millennial, that would her even more credibility in my eyes when it comes to discussing millennials. Turns out she is, and my consideration of what she has to say on the topic has gone up even higher than it was.
I wish more people would get involved by giving us their comments.
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