3 Concepts Millennials and Boomers Must Understand In Order to Work Together

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team-866663_1920Is it possible for Millennials and Boomers to work effectively together? The media would have us believe the two groups are like oil and water, impossible to coexist in harmony.

A self-described “Millennial in a Boomer Suit”, I know it’s not only possible but it can be truly rewarding for both groups.

We are actually not that different. My goals, attitudes and ambitions when I was fresh out of college were pretty much the same as today’s graduates. It’s just that I didn’t have the ability to share my thoughts and dreams on social media.

For these two groups to form a successful team, here are 3 Concepts Millennials and Boomers Must Understand in Order to Work Together

1. Respect for Knowledge Goes Both Ways
Boomers have experience that can only come from years on the job in the real world. Millennials bring an understanding of new technology and fresh ways of thinking. Both groups need to embrace the other’s knowledge. Combined, they are a powerful force.

Boomers, it’s okay to admit that you are not up to speed on every new social media platform. Ask the Millennials for a quick tutorial; they love to show their skills and contribute to the team.

Millennials, remember that tried and true ideas may still be the best way to go – experience does count for something. Listen and learn first before pooh-poohing established programs. Your colleagues will then be more receptive to enhancing existing methods with new techniques.

2. Understand the Similarities and Embrace the Differences
Common misconception among Boomers is that Millennials are 8 to 5’ers; not willing to work the long hours that Boomers are accustomed to.

Actually, Millennials are more than willing to do what it takes to get the job done. The difference is that they don’t put boundaries or limits on “work” vs. “personal” time. They are used to having technology at their fingertips and are comfortable taking a break from their personal time to complete a work assignment “after hours” if it means they can attend a fitness class first.

Boomers may need to relax the expectation of staying late at the office unless there is a deadline; Millennials need to communicate openly with their managers about their commitment to completing work in a timely manner.

3. We’re All In it to Win It
At the end of the day, Millennials and Boomers want the same thing: to do a good job, a feeling of satisfaction and to advance in their careers. Possibly more money, of course, and recognition. The point is, neither group wants to fail. Both are “In it to win it”.

Winning takes team work. There should be no “Us young people” vs. “Us mature people”. This serves no purpose except to bring morale down.

I’ve learned a great deal throughout my career from both older colleagues and younger ones. Each brings different set of skills and knowledge, yet critical to my own development. Without learning from all different levels, I would not be where I am today.

Respect Knowledge. Understand the Similarities. Embrace the differences.

The result? We all win.

The Millennial Hustle

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graduation

Remember the glorious days of college?  The stay-out-late nights despite early morning classes? I was rarely concerned with lack of sleep because I knew that I had to focus just long enough to make it through the class.  Yes, there was the intense course work and late night study sessions too, but they were just temporary.  We always had a holiday or a summer break to look forward to. 

Reality came crashing in during my first job after graduation when I realized there was no “break”.  Work was five days a week, fifty-two weeks a year – minus a miniscule two-week vacation and the occasional company holiday. 

I remember thinking, “Where’s my semester break?  What do you mean; we only get one day off at Christmas?” 

Today’s post is written by a young friend-of-a-friend who is just starting out.  He’s experiencing a similar reality-check, although he seems to be working through it a bit better than I did.  I believe I went to the mall to ask Santa for my holidays back. 

What’s interesting about this young man is that he seems to defy the Millennial stereotype, the one that says new graduates feel and act entitled to a job.  Rather than wait for someone to hand him a job, this guy is hustling, working hard now for future opportunities. Even if that means giving up his summer break.

With that kind of attitude, his future looks bright.  See for yourself.

Graduates: The Summer is Not Yours

By Noah Smith; Class of 2013 

I think my journey from full time student to steady employment is one that truly illustrates what today’s graduates go through when leaving college and stepping into the real world.

Students everywhere are studying for finals and going for a late night snack one day, and then they’re at home on the computer looking for jobs the next.

My last day of college, I finished working at 4 a.m. left my nametag and went back to finish packing up my car. Done by around 5:10 a.m., I finalized the paperwork with the night clerk and left for home at 5:30 a.m.

Within the week, the next stage in life had begun: the endless hunt for jobs and internships. I searched job sites for anything in my major and would open a new tab on my browser every time I found a potential opening. When I had more than15 tabs open I would look at them all, ensuring that I fit the requirements of each and would approve of the job. Finally, I would apply for them. I did this everyday and at first completed two to four a day; when I had the flow down, I got about five done.

I did this the majority of the time, May through July, minus my five-week class and the weekend. Of course, I would eat, try to exercise some days and watch YouTube videos– but looking for a job was my job. It was not the best summer I have ever had but looking back, I realize two things: I should have enjoyed my summer more, yet if I didn’t work as hard as I did, I would not have found the positions I now hold.

That’s the inevitable truth that graduates have to face: you can frolic in the summer wind and enjoy it all or you can face truth and know that the summer break is not yours. You have to work to get what you want and put in the hours to reap the reward. Facing reality is the next step after graduating, and then comes the job or internship.

Nevertheless, over the course of this summer I earned five interviews after applying for more than 60. Some I was qualified for and others I wasn’t, it’s the name of the game. Sometimes you have to keep putting your name out there, practicing and perfecting what to say in every email and every cover letter. By the end, you start to discover what gets a response and what fails to capture the reader’s attention. After I sent my cover letter to multiple companies, I started getting better with the wording and how to present myself.

At the end of all that work, I earned two internships and one job. The work was well worth it and I’m satisfied with my current employment. It shows that if you want something badly enough then you will put the energy and time in. I wanted it badly enough, I wanted to graduate within four years and get a job.

I succeeded in both; like I said to my boss, I’m young so I have to keep hustling to get what I desire. There will always be next summer to enjoy the weather. You never know, maybe I will be someplace tropical next summer enjoying my time off.