What is a Millennial?

Well, if you were born between 1981/82 and the year 2000, you are part of what was once referred to as Generation Y. I am not sure how or why, but your name changed to a Millennial.

It is estimated that by the year 2010, the Millennials will outnumber both Baby Boomers and Gen-Xers (Generation X). Today there are about 80 million Millennials.

So what is so interesting about the Millennials?

Look at these stats on the current Millennial college students:

97% own a computer

94% own a cell phone

76% use Instant Messaging.

Millenials are tech savvy. Some say their parents gave them too much attention. Those who are entering the workforce are challenging managers that have trouble thinking outside of the box.

They need more feedback - not a bad thing. Managers should give more feedback.
They want to be challenged - not a bad thing. We should offer challenges.
They want you to respect their ideas - not a bad thing. Managers should always respect ideas, even if we do not agree with them.
They want a life apart from work - right on!

They think they can solve the world’s problems.

Well…

I am a baby boomer by only one year. I have enjoyed working with boomers, Gen Xers, and now Millennials. We all come from different times in recent history, but at the core, are we really that different?

I don’t think so.

I am going to go visit my friends on FaceBook.