Betsy Hays, APR, Fellow PRSASecrets to Working with Millennials

Some Context . . . • Generation gaps = normal • Millennial “normal” isn’t your “normal”

• And that is OK!

Millennials• Value collaboration• Value flexibility• Want to be part of something meaningful

• Are spongy

Millennials• Love connecting – digitally, not nec. face-to-face

• Learn in many ways• Have attention issues• Are “great” at multitasking

Millennials• Share things (+ and -) • Need short(er) messages• Often define success through effort, not results–i.e. “I tried really hard.”

In the World of Millennials

• SM has flattened hierarchy• Boundaries are few• External validation is a big deal

• Cool is an attention-getter • Creativity and innovation rule

Keys to Success• Commitment• Positive attitude• Patience• Openness

Set the Stage for Success

• Make it fun • Show you care – With your attention and time

Set the Stage for Success

• Est. clear hierarchy• But with an environment of collaboration – A story (CM)

• Welcome ideas, but be clear who gets to decide what goes

Set the Stage for Success

• Est. CLEAR expectations• #s, minimums, maximums, etc.• What is priority• Assuming = failure

Set the Stage for Success

• Describe level of expectation re: quality

• Describe what success (or a great job on this task) looks like

Set the Stage for Success

• Make deadlines clear & firm (time and date)

• Est. check-ins, accountability & opps. for feedback

Provide the WHY• Context is often what they are missing• Share the “why” .– Why is what you are asking them to do important?

– How does this fit into the company’s big picture?

– What can they gain by mastering this?

Provide the Goal• Articulate what needs to be accomplished

• Ask for ideas on how to get there– Show you value their brains

• Share some ideas of your own– More context, historical ref., etc.

• Make a plan

The Validation Vacuum• Praise has been frequent• (And often unwarranted)– “Good try”– Everyone gets a trophy– Not keeping score

• So . . . Millennials expect it and it’s important to them

The Validation Vacuum• Start with the positive• Then provide corrections• And . . . be honest about your philosophy about praise – Being authentic is always best

What they want you to know

• Don’t be condescending toward technology• Don’t give up on them!• They are good at many things (not just tech)

• Being “cool” is ok . . . to a point– Careful with slang– Be authentic to YOU

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THANK YOU! @BetsyHaysBetsyHaysPR.com