I’ve often been amused by articles that promise Millennials the best way to get ahead in the workplace. Many are penned by non-Millennials who are proponents of our generation’s stigmas.
Just saying “Millennial” in a conversation will drum up eye-rolling and the accusation of erratic, disloyal, egocentric, competitive, over-dependence of technology and other behavioral traits. Since it’s our generation’s responsibility to set forth a paradigm shift in such a perception, I’ll offer a few bits of advice to help my Millennial colleagues gain the trust and respect of their leaders:
1. Make an impact by supporting, not destroying your team.
Making an impact doesn’t have to come from shredding the “old school” ways on your first day. Start by establishing relationships with everyone you meet: your peers, supervisors, executives, even the friendly face at the front desk. Take the time to find out about what they’re working on, and how your skills may help them to accomplish their goals.
2. Use technology to help your company’s objectives.
Instead of fuming with frustration while senior leadership loads a PowerPoint presentation, lend a hand. The information is sound even if the technological skills are not. Likewise, eCommerce, cloud computing, and mobile technology are no longer frivolous options, but necessary tools for business success. Use your Millennial techno-skills to identify and support company objectives.
3. Your idea is not always the holy grail of ideas.
This may seem like an epiphany to Millennial armed with an MBA and a 4G connection, but you may not have the most current and best information on how to shape a project, and the vast majority of successful plans do not materialize overnight. Seek collaborative input from your peers and supervisors. While your plan may have seemed brilliant to you in the shower, it’s probably only the ground floor of where you could take it.
4. Never stop learning.
I’ll admit that this one is a little self-serving for me as a training manager, but I’m a Millennial, right? There are countless ways to develop professionally and they don’t always include online classes. Try partnering with associations, local young professionals networks, nonprofits, and even your local chamber! Whatever you choose, make sure you stay active and keep challenging yourself.
5. Wait!
Exercising patience may be the hard to do because we have grown up in an instant-gratification and celebratory world. Millennials have tried to turn the workplace into a grown-up version of the schoolyard game “King of the Mountain” where you fight everyone to get to the top and stay there as long as you can. Instead, embrace the journey. The titles, money, corner office, big home, and car will come. For now, learn from those around you.
While it is well understood that Millennials will become the next generation of global leaders, we must first negate the stigmas that bind us by acting contrary to them. In time, we’ll inherit all the responsibility that we’re so desperately looking to garner now.
Brandon M. Springer-McConnell is a Millennial who oversees Learning & Development for 200 TMI Hospitality properties. He was also a trainer for Disney.