Empathizing With Your Millennial Coworkers During COVID-19
The email read:
Hi Mary,
When our leadership sends an internal mass email about a COVID-19 update, our Millennials seem to lose their minds. Each time, I have to talk my team off the ledge. I think I figured it out: Millennials will never take your directives if you don't tell them WHY.
I'm Gen X, so I take in the information differently. The info doesn’t bother me because I feel like my company owes me nothing. What do you make of this? Do you think I might be right that this is all generational?
- Baffled
Dear Baffled,
If you suspect this is a generational problem, it probably is. Not only do Millennials need rationale for decisions, but they value transparency in how those decisions are made.
I think the most telling part of your note is that you experience leadership directives differently. As you said, “The company owes me nothing.” I take that to mean, “I am here to do the job they hired me to do. I do not expect them to adapt to my personal needs.”
You are taking time to make an empathetic connection with your team’s curious reactions, and that speaks volumes to your strengths as a leader.
Bridging the Gap,
Mary
In case you’re wondering, the emails in question were enforcing a strict mandate for ALL EMPLOYEES to report to the office. This kind of conversation keeps coming up with HR leaders trying to resolve this conflict.
If this describes conversations or questions you’re having, too, connect with me for more customized strategies. Or if this post resonates with you, add a comment or email me directly at marycooney@getcreativia.com.