More than Millennials: They're Today’s Young Professionals

One of the requirements of any manager is to gain an understanding of the people who work under their supervision. It’s been true of every generation, and it’s especially true today.

Simon Sinek dissects Millennials on YouTube

Millennials have been the topic of articles about management and the workplace for nearly a decade, believe it or not. They’re essentially the generation born in the 1980s and ‘90s, give or take a few years here and there. And they began entering the workforce in large numbers shortly after the turn of the century, which was also the start of a new millennium – hence the tag they’ve been labeled with.

Last fall a video went viral across social media platforms, in which author and motivational speaker Simon Sinek took millennials to task for being “tough to manage.” He listed a number of things of which they’re accused of being: entitled, narcissistic, self-interested, unfocused, and lazy. He proceeds to explain the phenomenon of the millennial generation, while acknowledging that their alleged character weaknesses are often created through no fault of their own. The video is both humorous and thought-provoking, which makes it fascinating to watch.

I would suggest, however, that we would do well to change our thinking about Millennials. I recommend to my clients that they look at them for who and what they are: young professionals. In other words, treat them just as you have any generation that has come along. Treat them with regard, and trust, and patience. They have much to learn, but what generation hasn’t?

In fact, Sinek agrees, to a certain extent. In the video, he doesn’t reserve his comments only for the Millennials themselves. He also criticizes parents, corporate managers and executives for their lack of leadership. “It’s the corporations, it’s the corporate environments, it’s the total lack of good leadership in our world today that is making them feel the way they do,” Sinek warns.

In working with companies, and with Millennials themselves, I try to help them bridge the gap between college and career. Like any group entering the workforce, networking is essential – or, as I like to call it, “networking on steroids.” Today’s young people are so accustomed to technology, and to interacting with others via various electronic devices, that it’s more important than ever for them to learn the essentials of developing meaningful interpersonal relationships, face to face.

Millennials should be asked what they view as their strengths, and what they want to accomplish – both in their career and in life. Like the generations that preceded them, they are altruistic, wanting to make a difference in the world. That’s great, but they also need to consider how they can do that in their career, and for the organization or company where they work. Patience isn’t always a virtue among young professionals, and it’s up to us as managers to help them see the value and wisdom in it.

There is so much more that can be said and written about Millennials. In fact, a major part of my consulting practice involves coaching sessions with Millennials, and their employers. If you’d like to know more, feel free to give me a call at (330) 754-5767, or email me at jim@jaondrusllc.com. 

Jim Ondrus is president and CEO of JA Ondrus, LLC. Learn more at www.leadershiptransitioning.com.

The 10 Commandments of Personal Leadership

Over the past 35 years I have had the pleasure of working with some amazing colleagues. Through readings, interaction, discussion and observation over that time, I have taken the opportunity to compile this list of my 10 Commandments of Personal Leadership.

1.) Be passionate about your vision and the WHY behind it; communicate how everyone fits in.

2.) Build strong trusting and caring relationships, keep your commitments, and connect with your team at all levels.

3.) Be clear and enthusiastic on your expectations of your team and your team's expectations of you.

4.) Create and promote an innovative and dynamic learning environment. It starts with you!

5.) Be grateful for your team and show real, heartfelt appreciation. Trust your team to succeed.

6.) Be an active and effective coach. Listen, coach and be coachable.

7.) Enjoy your life and enable your team to enjoy their lives. Take care of yourself. "Balance of life!"

8.) Share your dreams with big dreamers. Learn the dreams of your team, your customers, and your business partners.

9.) Take accountability for your actions -- successes and failures. Hire people who are better than you.

10.) Lead by example, be supportive, and be collaborative with your team, customers and partners.

Jim Ondrus is a Vistage Chair and president of JA Ondrus, LLC in Canton, Ohio.

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Recognizing the Impact of Millennials in the Workplace

There is seemingly no end to the research, surveys, and reports being produced about Millennials and the impact they are having, and will continue to have, on our world and the workplace.

Recently Deloitte, a multinational professional services firm based in New York, released a fascinating report about Millennials and the workplace. The full report is available online as a PDF, but here is a summary, as shared by Deloitte:

• Forty-four percent of Millennials say they will likely leave their current employers within two years. Why? A feeling of being overlooked for personal and professional development is paired with an intense desire for work and life balance, a desire for flexibility, and a perceived lack of shared values.

• Millennials are values-based, and it affects how they choose employers, accept assignments, and make decisions as they move up the career ladder.

• Millennials expect businesses to focus on people, products, and purpose over profit. They warm to the role of P&L as they gain experience, but not to the point of sacrificing their perceived values.

• Speaking of which, seven in 10 Millennials believe their personal values are shared by the organizations for which they work. Deloitte calls this the “silver lining” for organizations aiming to retain these young professionals—an indication that this new generation can be happy and motivated when their voices are heard.

In all, it’s a fascinating report—one well worth the time to read and understand. Businesses often succeed or fail based on their ability to adapt, and recognizing the changes that are occurring in the work force is a fundamental skill facing employers in the 21st Century.

Jim Ondrus pioneered the management concept of Leadership Transitioning™. He is president of JA Ondrus, LLC, a Canton, Ohio executive coaching firm.

Don't Just Set Goals...Achieve Them!

One of the unique aspects of living in the Canton, Ohio area is that we have the Professional Football Hall of Fame located here. I have been to numerous events sponsored by the Hall over the years and I am continually inspired by the stories behind the men who are forever enshrined there.

Inside each of those stories are accounts of their dreams, goals, successes, failures, challenges, coaches, family members, mentors, endless practices, courage, pride and lifetime friendships—just to name a few.  If there are some common themes that I note, it is how they emphasize that they did not do it alone, never gave up and are honored to have earned the right to be a member of this elite fraternity.

So as you and I focus on achieving our goals for this year and beyond, let’s be clear on why we are doing so and how they will help us attain the legacy that we are striving for.

One thing I stress to my clients is that it’s critical to surround ourselves with people whom we trust and who believe that we can accomplish our goals and are willing to give us honest and valuable feedback on how we are doing. It might be a family member, a close friend, a mentor, or a business associate. Not only will they serve as a source of encouragement, they’ll help us be accountable to do the things we need to do to succeed..

At our company, we model our programs, coaching and training techniques on helping our clients focus on balance in four key areas of life: physical (health), spiritual (service), intellectual (wealth) and interpersonal (communication/relationships). We firmly believe that BALANCE is a key to power and success.

So here’s a quick way to be more productive, personally and professionally. In each of those four areas, set three important manageable goals. Then, assess yourself daily on how you are doing by asking three simple questions:

   1. Are my goals clear, and am I properly focused and willing to pay the price to achieve them?

   2. What have I learned about myself today and what do I need to adjust?

   3. What is my level of commitment and how will I feel when I attain my goals?

We must also make sure we have the resources to achieve our goals, and then be sure to do something every day to take us one step closer to achieving them. One helpful technique is to keep a journal, and write in it every day. You don’t have to say a lot, but keeping track of your progress and key learning by writing it down will give you a greater sense of accomplishment, while always keeping you focused on where you want to go.

Declaring a set of pie-in-the-sky New Year’s resolutions that end up tucked away in a mental drawer leads to nothing but futility and frustration. Focus instead on the key areas of your life and set goals that are realistic and measurable. The results will be longer-lasting, and well worth the effort.

Jim Ondrus pioneered the management concept of Leadership Transitioning™. He is president of JA Ondrus, LLC, a Canton, Ohio executive coaching firm.