There are way too many misconceptions about millennials and Gen Z employees. We are mostly described as flighty, selfish, unbothered, ungrateful, snobbish, sloppy. Chai, who did we offend? Is there something we did to you in our past lives?
Despite this, many employers are willing to give millennials & Gen Zs a chance because they are aware of the value we bring to the workplace. Duh.
Anyways, we need to change the narrative and challenge this stereotype. Sounds tough, right? Don’t worry; we’ve lined up some tips for you:
1. Speak up
It’s easy to feel intimidated by your colleagues who are mostly older than you and with more work experience, too. As threatening as it might feel, don’t be afraid to speak up when necessary. For instance, if you’re at a meeting, let your voice be heard, share your ideas no matter how ‘crazy’ they seem, ask questions and make contributions. This way, it would be impossible to ignore you, and you’ll gain some respect from your colleagues.
2. Accept feedback politely
Another way to succeed at work is to take constructive feedback positively. When you do so, you show that you are willing to learn, grow and improve. Accept constructive criticism graciously from your peers and senior colleagues; it puts you in good light with them.
Top Flexxzone Picks
- Skills you need to compete in today’s workplace
- 4 topics to avoid discussing at work
- 6 career-threatening mistakes you must avoid
3. Be a good team-player
One important skill most employers look out for in their employees is the ability to collaborate. To truly succeed in the workplace, you need to be able to work effectively in a team. Contribute avidly, help your coworkers with tasks, give words of encouragement, appreciate their efforts and be willing to learn new things. This way, you will be considered a valuable player.
4. Be confident
Millennials & Gen Zs are usually vibrant, self-aware and confident; traits like these are very valuable in the workplace. Hold your head high, be composed and self-assured. Know your strengths and harness them, while working on your weaknesses, too. Take pride in your work and do it to the best of your ability. However, it’s essential to know the difference between confidence and arrogance. Draw the line and never overestimate your positions, skills and achievements. Dem fi sack you!
5. Strengthen your interpersonal skills
Interpersonal skills like communication, empathy, listening, critical thinking, problem-solving etc. are very vital for success in the workplace. It’s imperative to develop them and improve on them. Learn how to relate appropriately with your colleagues, maintain eye contact when talking to them, know how to manage and resolve conflicts. These skills will help you succeed and advance quickly.
6. Change the status quo
Employers expect you to be dynamic and bursting with new ideas. That’s a primary reason most of them look to hire young individuals on their teams. The success of every organization is dependent on how innovative and dynamic they are, and this is where you come in. Try to suggest fresh, new ideas and ways of doing things, even if they tell you ‘We’ve always done it this way’. Change is inevitable.
7. Respectfully offer new, fresh ideas
Does your company have a weak social media presence? Offer to help them manage their account and help them create relevant content. Suggest modern methods of doing things. By doing this, you will prove your worth to them, and literally, be irresistible to other employers.
Once you purposefully do these things, you’ll become an irresistible force and make relevant changes. Take that, haters!
What challenges are you currently facing as a millennial or Gen Z in the office? Share with us.
Leave a Reply