We often talk about Millennials and how we are scared for the future if they are to be running it. I hear this often—the complaints about them being lazy, unfocused, with a lack of dedication and commitment. And then, there are the Generation Z or iGeneration folks who have been spoon-fed from iPads and iPhones who cannot write or hold a pen! Gawd… what are we in for?
Those of us who fit into the Baby Boomer generation (1946-64), and even some Generation X folks (1965-84), think the world is headed for hell in a handbasket with the Millennials and Generation Z! But I am here to assure you that this worry is not just ours. It has existed for generations through history. Centuries ago, the sentiment was the same. The quote “I see no hope for the future of our people if they are dependent on the frivolous youth of today … for certainly all youth are reckless beyond words” is attributed to Greek poet and historian Hesiod who lived between 750 and 650 B.C.! We say the same thing today, but it seems we have survived for over 2600 years with the “frivolous youth of today” who are “reckless beyond words.”
Though many leaders in our society are innovative and creative, we need to step aside and listen to the younger generation. It is their inventions, their digital experience, and their savvy that is breaking ground today. When I look to the future, I think our world is in great hands. When I look at our industry, the sponsorship and sport marking industry as well as fund raising, I smile. The energy and creativity is tremendous. I am excited when I go to conferences, workshops, colleges, and universities where I lecture and see the next generation of leaders. The key for the rest of us, I believe, is to adapt to change and try to take some of the great things that these Millennials (and even Generation Z) are demonstrating. Here are five quick “learns” that I have recognized and tried to adopt.
- Quit acting our age. Do what we feel like and don’t be worried what others will think. Just because you are 55+ does not mean you cannot learn to skim board or adopt and understand a new social platform so to be able to relate to your clients.
- Don’t accept the old adage “we have always done it that way.”
- Learn to integrate your work and personal lives versus trying to separate them.
- Understand that life is a series of journeys and projects/jobs, not a linear path in one direction. Know your careers will change even today, and that is a good thing—not a bad thing.
- Question! Ask why we do things the way we do them. Understand that if the reason is because we have always done it that way or that is what is needed or it is tradition, find out if the root of the goal will be affected if we make change. If not, go for it.
Our future is in good hands. We just have to trust and believe that—and stop worrying!
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