If you look at today’s technological and intellectual advancement that the dominant society has accomplished, specifically the western neo-liberal capitalist society, it’s staggeringly overwhelming to think about its impact to work and production in general. Commercial enterprises and other major social organizations that facilitate social needs clearly indicate that we are on this age of comfort and abundance when it comes to production of our basic necessities. However, the question that can be ask is its consistency and stability given that inequalities and shortages of resources still happens on many parts of the planet. And the next is, can we clearly have an effective method in defining and determining the kind of workforce we are going to deal with?
Though, it’s still tempting to make oneself believe that these days, it’s more possible to establish systems that can function under a sustainable and efficient economy given that the many major institutions are also ready to jump on this bandwagon. In today’s society, knowledge has become more accessible to most of us and seems almost all can possibly participate in the decision making processes within their localities, from the governmental up to the private level, if they wish to. So it means that people have also changed and has now evolved in many ways when it comes to their organizational life.
It is really important to consider the changes in culture and the replacements of those old values and methodologies, processed through decades, upon trying to determine the directionality of the organization and leadership of this generation. So the big question here is, as leaders how can you determine the best approach and how can you be efficient in managing this generation of millennial (and beyond) in the workforce?
If you are a leader and you want to cope up with the preferences (you have to!) of today’s generation, there are some features that might make you efficient in dealing with situations. First, you must be a real visionary, by words and by actions. Today’s youth desire leaders that could truly and concretely define the organization’s goal and core values; they want leaders that can provide clear definitions of the tasks and objectives they are supposed to do. They expect clear results from specific missions they are going to take, to make them feel that they are truly part of something bigger. They want to make an impact by sincerely participating on the organization’s decision making process through actively contributing to the discussions, trainings, planning, and skills enhancements program of the company. And, your company will be much more interesting to them if you are taking a more sustainable options and impact to our planet!
Today, youth in the workplaces expect trainings, coaching, mentorship, and other kinds of skills development efforts that would make them effective while also serve their interests so they can enjoy the job in contrast to being alienated by it. In addition, they are not afraid to commit mistakes and learn from them. That is why leaders and managers of today must be prepared and be equipped to motivate these kinds of workforce using methods and interventions of their preference while also making sure that the priorities and values of this workforce are being acknowledged. It is important to make sure that they are being listened to as they were fed up with the culture of silence of the past generations, allowing the dominance of authoritarianism and even exploitation in the workplaces. So to make them productive, leaders must make sure their voices are being heard and their demands are being sincerely met.
