Want advice on how to work with multiple generations in the workplace? Listen to a free podcast with Suzanne Updegraff, EDSI’s CEO and author of “Professional Presence in a Casual World.”
The Millennial generation is often blamed for being self-centered, narcissistic and unable to sacrifice or perform at a higher level in order to accomplish long-term goals. They are also accused of not being able to collaborate with others or work well in groups.
But are these claims accurate? A second look at the Millennials’ background gives ample justification for their outlook and behaviors. Millennials have grown up with choices rather than limits, and they are not only technologically savvy, but have fully integrated the tools of technology into every part of their lives. They can enter a new work environment, take a look at some of the entrenched processes and instantly see a faster, more efficient way to accomplish the same tasks, through the use of any number of tools.
Growing up in this environment also has left Gen Y inwardly focused, relative to other generations in the workforce. Consider that each time Millenials interact with technology, the internet, television or social media, the message they receive is targeted directly to their own personal interests and lifestyle. This represents a drastically different world from coming home each day to watch one of three standard evening newscasts on network television, along with millions of other Americans.
To their credit, young Millennials have a valid argument for the importance of change and the growing irrelevance of the traditional workday. For Gen Y, work can be done at any time of day or night, as long as it has meaning and can be integrated into their lifestyle.
The workplace course titled, Professional Presence in a Casual World, which has already been presented to over 1 million people, cuts through the accusations on both sides of the generational divide, and gives everyone in the mix a unified culture in which all employees can work together, and more importantly –succeed together.
Attendees of all generations are able to:
- Differentiate themselves as potential leaders.
- Develop the confidence necessary to achieve results.
- Build an image that is respected and models corporate values.
- Learn how to be viewed as a positive influence with co-workers.
- Cement strong business partnerships.
- Add value to their personal lives through accomplishments.
- Be identified as a person who listens, communicates and clarifies.
- Focus on excellence in the work that they do.
Professional Presence in a Casual World shows attendees how to develop a professional presence, match the professional culture in their workplace and build professional competence.
Organizations that support members of Gen Y in polishing these professional skills will benefit over their competitors by gaining well-rounded employees who not only bring energy, new ideas and technological expertise to the workplace, but also have the ability to listen empathically, collaborate with others and communicate professionally. An added benefit to providing this kind of course in the workplace is that employees from all generations can be included, resulting in a common language of professionalism across the entire organization.
Listen to this Q & A podcast with EDSI’s CEO, Suzanne Updegraff, for insight into how this course speaks specifically to the generation mix and presents a new model for embracing professionalism in a contemporary workplace setting. Since Employee Development Systems, Inc. was established in 1979, this and other effectiveness courses have been utilized by numerous leading global organizations.
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