Don’t make assumptions about the next generation; Invest in it

While Gen Xers and Baby Boomers are currently in charge of things, there is a tendency to write off Millennials as entitled and/or narcissistic, unready or unwilling to join the real world and work hard. This kind of attitude is wrong, writes Col. Eric Kail of the U.S. Army, who has worked extensively with Millennials in a number of capacities. Kail points out the gap between the Millennials and everybody else involves two key stumbling blocks: communication gaps and perceived notions. Instead of surrendering to engative chatter and stereotypes, the older generations need to look for common ground and common goals so they can invest in the Millennials, whether they are customers or the next round of talent. The alternative evokes some advice once given by U.S. Gen. Eric Shinseki as he sought to implement deep changes across the U.S. Army: those who don’t like change will like irrelevance even less.