A vast majority of Millennials want to work for leaders that foster innovative thinking, are focused on team development, and have a mission that positively contributes to society. More than previous generations, Millennials are ready to work independently if their needs go unmet by existing leaders. This new era of workers will require a new era of leaders to rise. The leaders that are up for the challenge of adapting to today’s shifting demands will garner a true lasting legacy.
This is Part 2 of a 2 part series about the essential traits leaders should have in order to best lead the next generations. In Part 1 the first 3 A-game leadership traits were revealed: Agile, Authentic, and Assemble. Now, let's look at the final 3 leadership traits.
4) Aspire
Despite the economic downturn and living in their parents’ basement, the Millennials remain one of the most optimistic generations. Thirty-nine percent of Millennials want to have an impact on the world with their jobs. They won’t tolerate leaders who shift blame or have a bleak vision of the future. Tomorrow’s leaders must aspire to be hope giving influencers.
A leader’s aspiration for a better tomorrow is demonstrated by their mindset. A positive, forward thinking attitude is essential in enlisting the hearts and minds of the next generation. Secondly, a leaders aspiration for a better tomorrow is demonstrated by the investment in future leaders. In order for great leadership to extend beyond generations, we have to be intentional about sharing our expertise, experience, and expectations. After all, the hallmark of a great leader is how many leaders they helped grow beyond them.
Next generation leaders must first harness hope to hand-over hope. To create and maintain a healthy, hopeful perspective leaders must establish a constant flow of positive input. Tap into books, blog, conferences, mentors, and/or podcasts. An unshakeable aspiration for a better tomorrow is essential for effective next generation leadership.
5) Articulate
Ninety-five percent of Millennials are motivated to work harder when they know where their work is going. Millennials aren’t that complicated. They just want to know the “why” behind everything. However, the “why” is what’s complicated. "Why do I have to show up at 9am?" "Why do I have to put down my smartphone?” “Why should I continue to follow you?” Leading the next generation takes clearly articulating the why behind expectations, rules, projects, and job descriptions.
Dave Ramsey says it best, “To be unclear, is unkind.” How many times have you lacked clarity after a meeting? Clarity reigns in a cluttered world. Less is truly more in our information overload and content saturated culture. Leaders are responsible for articulating tasks, expectations, and the organizations vision with the utmost clarity.
However, creating clarity and articulating with clarity is hard work. Have you ever tried to write a mission statement? Tough stuff. Clear articulation starts with a firm understanding. Albert Einstein said “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” Invest the time needed to ensure you have a firm understanding of the messages you are trying to articulate.
Once you gain clarity as the leader, articulate that clarity to your team as if there is more competing for their attention than ever before (because it’s true). Clear and concise articulation leads to precise understanding.
6) Amaze
It’s more difficult than ever to get the attention of a generation that has instant access to the world’s information and every viral cat video. The key is surprise. Surprise is working wonders for marketers trying to reach Millennials and it can work for leaders too. Amaze your followers by being unexpected, untraditional, wacky, and off-the-wall.
Think about the last time you were amazed. Perhaps it was during a movie, watching a street magician, hearing breaking news, or experiencing something new for the first time…you were fascinated. Your focus couldn’t be broken and the experience was memorable.
Ninety percent of Millennials want their workplace to be social and fun. Here are a few examples of organizations and leaders embracing amazement: Square hosts an annual employee competition that includes a game of human foosball. Tony Hsieh of Zappos will randomly bring a llama into the office. Airbnb encourages their employees to take a week of paid vacation every year.
Updating dated work policies, creating one-of-a-kind team experiences, and unexpected work perks have all been proven to amaze which results in increased engagement and loyalty.
Related Read: Leadership, Company Culture, & Work Perks That Attract & Retain Young Talent With Craig Hyde
Leadership is on the ropes as a new breed of worker occupies a majority of the 2014 workplace. Bring your A-game to this new leadership arena so that you can boldly attack tomorrow.
Question: What other traits would aid next generation leaders?
