We would love your feedback as we lead into the #associations2025 summit. More information found here.
Five Things A Baby Boomer can Appreciate about a Millennial Employee in Forward Thinking Associations:
1. To Be Quick: Change is happening. Millennials are adaptable and used to fast information transference. They can be exceptionally helpful with research and getting the task done quickly.
2. CREATING a Healthy Work Life Balance: Of course, the keyword here is balance but it may be time to take the lead in modifying the traditional work week. Examples include staggered hours (10am-6pm), compressed work weeks, flex time and working remotely. A little flexibility will not prevent staff from getting everything (and more!) accomplished.
3. EMBRACING Technology: Let’s face it, technology makes things faster and more organized… if used properly. Ask a millennial to share some of their expertise with organizational software and programs that could help your productivity.
4. To Collaborate: Communication is key to the success of future associations and in business. Finding a middle ground between the millennial energy and the boomer experience could be a great opportunity for mentorship. The result could deliver fresh ideas to the table and mix with experience and knowledge to properly execute these initiatives.
5. Anticipate Change: Although Baby Boomers may be able to better see the big organizational picture, Millennials are used to change and also anticipate it. Get them involved in planning meetings and ask them what new technologies might help bring your group to the next level.
And on the Flip Side
Five Things A Baby Boomer Can Learn From A Millennial in Your Association
1. Loyalty Is Rewarding: In a time where some millennials change jobs like they change shirts, it can be inspiring to hear that someone has been with the company for 25 years. Kind of like when you hear that about marriage (WOW!).
2. It’s OK to pursue a good paycheck: There are (many) other considerations in taking a job…but its also OK to be motivated by making enough money to take care of your family, enjoy and take a trip once in a while, and (GASP!) maybe even save some for a rainy day.
3. Stories Have Significance: Experience and insight matters. Its not just water cooler talk (do millennials even know that term?). Many Boomers have been with their organization for a long time. They know clients personally, they know the members and their stories, they know what has led the organization to its current state. LISTEN! Not everything can be found in a database or CRM system. People are still need the human relationship element.
4. Respect Your Elders! Opportunities for growth are still largely based on relationships. If you want respect you have to give it! Sometimes it is best to bite your tongue, wait your turn and think about your answer. Sometimes others DO know best. Finally, Watch how you speak: tone can make a lot of difference to how someone perceives if you are being respectful or not.
5. Real Change Takes Time and Patience: At a time when we are used to immediate gratification, it is important to take notice that real change within an organization takes time to initiate and deliver. Practice patience to get all key players engaged and build consistency. Commitment goes a long way. (original article found here)
Join us April 19, 2016 for: Associations 2025: High Performance Associations of Tomorrow
