In a world where change is the only constant, the rise of Millennial leaders is causing a significant shift in the business landscape. Fast Company, in partnership with career-development site The Muse[1], conducted a survey of 155 Millennial bosses to understand how they manage, what they value, and how they plan to shape the future of business. The findings reveal that Millennial leaders prioritize creating positive work cultures, forging strong relationships, and caring for the whole person, not just the worker.
This generation is rewriting the rules of leadership. They’re known for their empathy, their unwavering commitment to purpose-driven work, and their dedication to fostering compassionate and flexible workplaces. They also express optimism about the impact of Gen Z in the workplace. Millennial managers are not just climbing the corporate ladder; they are actively reshaping it to create environments they wish they had experienced as employees.
Humanist Priorities in Leadership
The survey findings underscore that Millennial leaders prioritize humanist values in their approach to leadership. They are driven by the desire to create positive work cultures that prioritize employee well-being. Unlike some of their Boomer and Gen-X counterparts, Millennial bosses value trust-based relationships with reciprocal respect, recognizing the importance of quality interactions in building strong, cohesive teams. They also emphasize the need to care for the whole person, not just their role within the organization. This approach fosters a more compassionate and holistic work environment.
As Leigh Buchanan's Inc. Magazine article titled "How Millennial Bosses Reshape Management and Business"[2] points out, Millennial leaders are keenly aware of the importance of empathy. They understand that acknowledging and addressing the emotions of their team members is a fundamental aspect of leadership. Empathetic leaders are more attuned to the needs and concerns of their employees, which fosters trust and collaboration, creating a positive work culture where employees feel heard and valued.
Support-Focused Leadership
Millennials believe that feedback and support are vital for creating an effective and engaging workplace environment. As a result, they are more inclined to provide frequent and constructive feedback to their teams. This support-centric leadership style includes regular updates about specific tasks and projects, discussion about personal and career goals and development, and a proactive approach to communication, which Millennial leaders view as a means to empower and support their employees. Their commitment to open and transparent communication is driving positive change within organizations.
Drive to Challenge the Status Quo
Millennial leaders are not afraid to challenge the status quo and established norms. They are unafraid to overhaul processes and business operations, and hearing “that’s how it’s always been done” is like nails on chalkboard. They will experiment with new technologies, methods, and processes if it means improving productivity and efficiency, and fostering innovation. This fearless approach to change is contributing to the rapid transformation of the business world. As Millennial managers ascend to higher ranks, we can expect the pace of innovation and adaptation to accelerate.
Optimism for the Future
Millennial leaders are not just shaping the present but are also looking ahead to the future with optimism. They believe in the potential impact of the incoming generation; Gen Z. Millennial leaders are well-positioned to address the evolving expectations of younger generations in the workforce. Leigh Buchanan's article emphasizes that younger professionals are increasingly unwilling to tolerate toxic work environments and bosses who do not prioritize their well-being.
Millennial leaders are the bridge between these expectations and the changing business landscape. Their leadership style resonates with younger generations and aligns with their values and aspirations. This anticipation of positive change reflects Millennial leaders' forward-thinking mindset and their readiness to embrace and mentor the next wave of talent.
Embracing Flexibility
The Inc. Magazine article also underscores the importance of flexibility and work-life balance in Millennial leadership. Millennial bosses recognize that traditional 9-to-5 work models are outdated and rigid. They are more inclined to offer flexible work arrangements, remote options, and results-oriented performance evaluations.
This flexibility not only accommodates the diverse needs of employees but also leads to increased productivity and job satisfaction. Millennial leaders understand that employees' lives extend beyond the workplace and actively promote an equilibrium between professional and personal life. Further, they treat their employees with respect and trust that they will deliver (and give them space to do so). Many Millennials experienced tyrant bosses, toxic workplace cultures, and micromanagers. Now, they are being the leaders and shaping the cultures they wish they had earlier in their careers.
Purpose-Driven Leadership
The Millennial generation has a strong inclination toward purpose-driven work. Millennial leaders are driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the world, and they are more likely to prioritize projects and initiatives that align with the organization, their personal values, and that have a positive impact on society. The result not only motivates employees and increases engagement but also positions the organization as a force for good, enhancing its reputation and profitability.
Compassion is another key characteristic of Millennial leaders, as highlighted by Buchanan. They are less inclined to adopt a solely profit-driven approach to decision-making. Instead, they balance the interests of the organization with the well-being of their employees and stakeholders. Whether it's investing in employee wellness programs, driving diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, or supporting employee mental health, compassionate Millennial leaders prioritize the holistic needs of their workforce.
Millennial leaders are at the forefront of a leadership revolution.
Their emphasis on empathy, purpose-driven work, compassion, flexibility, and work-life balance is shaping a new era of leadership that is better aligned with the evolving needs and demands of the modern workforce. In this rapidly changing business landscape, organizations that embrace Millennial leadership principles are not only attracting top talent but also positioning themselves for long-term success.
The leadership style of Millennials is not just a passing trend; it is a reflection of the values and priorities of a generation that seeks to make the workplace more humane, inclusive, and meaningful. As we move forward, we can expect to see more Millennial leaders ascending to leadership roles, driving positive change, and inspiring a new generation of leaders to follow in their footsteps.
[1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/larryalton/2017/11/30/how-millennial-bosses-are-shaping-management-culture/?sh=49f814a536f4
[2] https://www.inc.com/magazine/201902/leigh-buchanan/how-millennial-bosses-reshape-management-business.html
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