In my work with numerous individuals and organizations, one question that I am constantly asked regardless of company size or industry is – “How in the world do I motivate Millennials?”

If that is of concern to you as well, you are not alone. PricewaterhouseCoopers 14th annual CEO survey identified attracting and retaining younger workers as one of the biggest talent challenges organizational leaders face today.

Millennials have been raised with a microwave mentality – I want what I want, when I want it…right now!

They are searching for new experiences and an opportunity to apply those experiences toward their goals for themselves. The days of working for a single company for 25 years and getting your gold watch have long past. Millennials have an entrepreneurial spirit because they have grown up during lean economic years and have seen a large number of people brand themselves and create their own businesses and opportunities. They need to know what an organization has to offer that social media cannot.

Motivating Millennials in an entrepreneurial world requires understanding and flexibility as the work world that we once knew is changing before our eyes. The top 4 ways to motivate Millennials are:

1. Understand what they value. The lines between work and personal life for Millennials have been blurred. Millennials want to work in a place where the company’s culture and values mirror their own. Who you are as an organization has become more important than what you do.

2. Share the big picture. Millennials have a desire to understand where the company is going and what role they will play in it. Align their personal goals with the goals of the organization and prepare them with individualized development plans and a path toward achieving career success within the organization.

3. Be open to their contributions. Inclusion and collaboration toward a collective goal are important to Millennials because their perspective is global. Develop confidence in them and their team by providing opportunities to connect, share and learn from each other. Engaged Millennials become invested Millennials.

4. Create a versatile and flexible work environment. Millennials need to be taught face-to-face communication skills and leadership principles within the context of the work that they perform. This requires consistent feedback, coaching, mentoring and other resources that are relevant and help them connect what they are doing with where they want to go.

If you need assistance in achieving any of these objectives, please contact me by clicking and completing our contact form.