60 Minutes - ‘The Millennials’
The US CBS TV programme 60 Minutes recently released a feature title ‘The Millennials Are Coming’. Presented by Morley Safer the programme covered the values of the new generation - those born between 1980 and 1995. Dubbed ‘The Millennials’ they have a different set of values than the traditionalists of the ‘transitional’ or ‘bridge’ generation.
However, the ‘Rebel in a Business Suit’ gets them and is ideally positioned to lead this new generation (Rebel Community)
A rebel understands that a new form of leadership is required in business today - leadership that is based not just on the old masculine style of ‘beatings will continue until morale improves’ but also on the more collaborative, connected and multi-tasking feminine style.
A style that encourages nurture over intimidation, praise over criticism and collaboration over competition, as the means of motivating and connecting people around them. A style that recognises potential within people and creates the ideal environment for them to release it.
Millennials won’t follow the old corporate way - and they won’t work the old corporate time table either. They want a job where they’ll be appreciated - but they also want a job that inspires. They are already connecting with the world through experiencing travel at an early age and working in different cultures and they want that continued connection with the world when they decide to settle into a particular career.
The feature did focus a little too much on the overly pampered side of the generation (Mary Crane’s piece on teaching them basic etiquette was interesting and a little scary and the concerns about the new generation expressed by Jeffrey Zaslow of the Wall Street Journal struck a chord) and maybe not enough on the fact that they are motivated and enthusiastic and ambitious and willing to work hard too - once they’ve connected with the purpose behind the business.
The Rebel in a Business Suit is the r-evolutionary link between the ‘baby boomer’ generation and the ‘millennials’. Able to comprehend and value the best of both world views and able to lead the transition in the r-evolutionary thinking and working from the power of the masculine and pure ‘good sense’ to the power of the feminine and pure ‘good feeling’ in the new age.
We truly stand with a foot in both ages - witnessing the end of the old and the birth of the new and it’s future is in our stewardship.