Millennials in the Workplace
Human Resource Strategies for a New Generation
By: Neil Howe with Reena Nadler
Published: March 2010
Format: Paperback, 256 pages
ISBN-10: 0971260648
ISBN-13: 978-0971260641
Publisher: LifeCourse Associates
"As the Millennial Generation (born since 1982) graduates from schools and colleges and fills the ranks of the entry-level workforce, older Americans are beginning to take notice", write national speaker, renowned authority on generations in America and co-founder of Lifecourse Associates, Neil Howe, and Program Director at Lifecourse Associates Reena Nadler, in their insightful and very practical book Millennials in the Workplace: Human Resource Strategies for a New Generation. The authors identify who the the Millennials are, why their behavior and work style is often misunderstood, and how to transform these younger employees into an asset and opportunity for the organization
Neil Howe (photo left) and Reena Nadler present an alternative view of the Millennial generation from the confused opinions prevalent in the modern workplace. With most managers and employees belonging to the Baby Boom and Generation X cohorts, the arrival of the Millennials has shocked managers and co-workers alike. With older employees not understanding the Millennials, the usual management position has been one where the young workers are seen as both a challenge and even a liability. The authors describe how this attitude is not only misguided, but one that may miss out on a tremendous opportunity. While there are many myths that have grown up about Millennial employees, the authors point out that the core traits of the young employees offer a fresh perspective and some valuable strengths to enhance any company. This book dispels the myths, and demonstrates the critical importance of understanding the Millennial generation, and how their core skills and values represent the future of the organization.
Reena Nadler (photo left) and Neil Howe describe the seven core traits of the Millennial generation in a positive light. Unlike most media and employer opinion, where Millennial values are considered a problem, the authors share their research and experience that offers an entirely different portrait of a misunderstood generation. The seven core traits that define the Millennials are:
* Special
* Sheltered
* Confident
* Team Oriented
* Conventional
* Pressured
* Achieving
These are not traits, according to the authors, that are associated with the Silent, Baby Boom, or Generation X cohorts. They are the traits usually associated with the GI Generation that formed society in the postwar era. Generations, and their differences, are nothing new in business and community life. They have existed through the entire history of America. Generations are more than just phases of life. Different generations behave in very unique ways are the various stages of their lives. Generations may be shaped by history, but at the same time, they also create history through their actions. the Millennial generation promises to make an important mark upon history and organizations, just like all other generations before them.
For me, the power of the book is how Neil Howe and Reena Nadler not only describe the Millennial generation and its traits, but also apply that information to how they can excel in the workplace. The authors back up their practical advice for employers with a combination of theory and comprehensive generational research data. At the same time, the book contains an unprecedented in depth examination of the seven core traits of the Millennials against a backdrop of Neil Howe's groundbreaking generational research. This overall larger generational framework places the Millennial generation in the greater historical context, comparing them to the high achieving GI Generation. This larger generational perspective sets this book apart from other books that offer advice on workplace generational interaction.
I highly recommend the definitive and must read book Millennials in the Workplace: Human Resource Strategies for a New Generation by Neil Howe with Reena Nadler, to anyone serious about really understanding the potential and tremendous opportunity offered by the addition of Millennial generation employees to the workplace. Their skills and important generational traits provide a bright future for any organization that embraces these high achieving young employees.
Read the essential and important book Millennials in the Workplace: Human Resource Strategies for a New Generation by Neil Howe with Reena Nadler, and discover how to put the tremendous potential of the Millennial generation to work in your organization. These dynamic young employees offer an opportunity that will benefit any organization, and put them in the forefront of their industry for years to come.
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