Influence blog: Mentoring a Millennial who will be your boss one day
Published: Thursday, July 01, 2010, 11:02 AM Updated: Thursday, July 01, 2010, 11:04 AM
de Polo
In my last Influence blog, I told Millennials what to do, and not do, in an interview.
Now I turn my attention to my peer group: middle-aged, bitter, paranoid, Gen X middle managers and paper pushers. Stifled by Baby Boomers. Crushed by Generation Y.
1. Take time to mentor
This year, be extra open to sitting down with a recent grad or someone trapped in the world of part-time jobs. That job-seeker needs mentoring and encouragement right now. You're busy but you can afford to spend an hour investing in the future leadership of this community.
2. Don't be enraged
The Millennial sitting across from you will be a strange creature. He might have a carefully coifed hair-do. It is called a faux-hawk.
She may have on a lovely spaghetti-strap tank top and flip-flops. You adjust your tie and look at your practical brown shoes. Now is not the time to worry about superficialities. Business has gotten casual. Worry about substance.
3. Try not to be overwhelmed
She has benefited from parents, schools, churches and extra-curricular programs that have exposed her to the world and raised her expectations. She has been trained to prove herself through accomplishments. Life is a checklist.
Ambition and confidence are impossible to create in someone. It is better to find and then cultivate it.
4. There is no career track
Look at his potential. Applicants have to be able to hit the ground running. Does he have the right skills? Can he work as part of a team? Is he a leader? Is he focused on status, or goals?
Influence West Michigan This blog was featured in Influence West Michigan, a free weekly e-pub covering innovation, talent and sustainability. Sign up to get it in your inbox every Thursday. 5. Don't pontificate
The grad wants advice, not a sermon. Focus on two or three facts about your job. Discuss how she can tailor her job search. Explain jargon. Dish a little gossip about the industry. Give referrals for other interview opportunities.
6. Now, listen
Shut up, and learn about what is happening in the community. Soak up the passion and idealism. Learn about the latest concepts being taught in college. Find out what she knows about your company. What were her sources? Try to gauge how much further you are than her. Could she replace you in one year, three months?
7. Meet your new boss
The path from mailroom to boardroom is gone.
The economy has squeezed out inefficiencies in business, such as entry-level jobs and middle managers and bigotry. She will quickly gain experience and make her own connections, moving from job to job. You may work for her one day. Make a good impression. And don't forget to compliment her on the nose ring.
Steven G. de Polo is director of foundation giving at Grand Valley State University and blogs for Influence West Michigan, a weekly business e-pub from Business Review.
Love this article, thanks Stve!
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