Leadership Coaching: The Three “C’s” of Millennials Matter

Leadership Coaching: The Three “C’s” of Millennials Matter

“Help your up-and-coming leader to form solid character, build authentic confidence and value synergistic collaboration.” – Danita Bye

During a recent conversation with Cathy Paper, the publicist of Millennials Matter, we discussed my motivation for the three main categories of my new book.

Here’s a short summary of why I decided to write about Character, Confidence and Collaboration. It might provide deeper insight into the WHY of your mentoring and coaching work with your millennial sales leader.

What is your strategy to develop these qualities in your millennial leader?

When I talked to leaders about the three cornerstones of Millennials, I got interesting responses

1. Character

Some said:

• “Character is a given, isn’t it? Why waste the time?”
• “Isn’t that what parents deal with in the home? We don’t have to be working on it in business, do we?

My response:

• 45% of business owners, CEO’s, and presidents in our 2017 Millennial Survey cite concerns with the Millennials they work with when it comes to character development.
• As leaders, we know that a courageous character core flows through us and impacts everything we do.
• Character development is a never-ending process. In fact, sometimes it seems that the test gets bigger and tougher over time – the ramifications of a wrong decision can have far-reaching effects both personally and professionally (as demonstrated by the news of politicians and their sexual exploits.)

That’s where we can help to proactively and positively work with them to have a firm leadership footing so that they have a positive influence. What steps are you taking to develop a strong character core in your next-gen millennial leader?

See my Character Video.

2. Confidence

Some said:

• “Danita, this group is hyper-confident – they have a know-it-all attitude!”
• “Millennials will just walk up to anybody and they have no problem stating their opinion.”

My response:

• 53% of our Millennial Survey respondents listed a “know-it-all attitude” as one of their millennial frustrations. But, should we blame Millennials for this in a society that contributes to their super-confidence? Information is freely available on the internet; however, head knowledge is different from experienced knowledge.
• Tim Elmore talks about “artificial maturity.” In his book with the same title, he explains that many young people appear mature, but are missing vital marks of maturity. In a 2012 article, he wrote that one of the marks of mature people is that they are teachable and don’t presume they have all the answers.
• Head knowledge lacks the deep roots that give young leaders the confidence to know they can withstand any storm that might come their way. It’s like a thin veneer that can be easily shaken. Millennials need the kind of confidence that comes from practical experience, wisdom and something they’ve lived out.

That’s where we as business leaders can help. We can work with our Next Gen leader to help them identify their unique strengths, talents and gifts and help them to leverage those when they hit the inevitable roadblocks in life. What are you doing to help your next-gen leader to develop a deep, sustainable confidence – not just internet confidence?

See my Confidence Video.

3. Collaboration

Some said:

• “Collaboration is a forte of this generation. Millennials grew up collaborating! They’ve been working in teams since 1^st”
• “Millennials have the technology to collaborate around the globe.”

My response:

• I’ve noticed that many Millennials struggle when they are faced with ideas or concepts they don’t understand. They might shut down or withdraw, instead of continuing to listen and staying engaged with those who are and think, differently.
• The experience Millennials had in school with “team projects,” usually involved collaboration via technology, not face-to-face communication. Many of our emerging sales leaders lack working experience to know how to function in true collaboration.
• Business leaders express concern in the work environment when Millennials are dealing with face-to-face interactions. Examples of this are difficult conversations; conflict resolution; or generational differences on the team – anything that doesn’t involve technology.
• When it comes to disagreeing in a constructive, respectful way, (i.e. without rioting or picketing) it seems that we have lost the art of creative dialogue.

That’s where we can help. We can work with our next-gen millennial leader to help them identify their relationship wiring. What are their strengths and weaknesses? What are their gifts and talents that they bring to the team?  When those are in combination with other strengths on the team, there will be an even better outcome. What are you doing to help your emerging leader to develop true collaboration?

Millennials are poised to become assets to our businesses. Our investment of time and wisdom will help the next generation develop strong internal character with deeply rooted confidence and collaborating with others to achieve their dreams. 

Leadership Lesson: Help your up-and-coming leader to form solid character, build authentic confidence and value synergistic collaboration

Leadership Question:  What challenges do you face when it comes to developing Character, Confidence and Collaboration in your Millennial leader?

© Copyright 2017 Danita Bye