If you want to break the ice with a group of baseball coaches say this, “Kids have changed.  They are so soft.”  It won’t work on every coach, but this will usually lead to a long conversation about how kids “don’t get it” anymore.

Are you guilty of this?  I know I have fallen in to the trap at times. Sure, complaining can make you feel better.  And, if you choose to complain about the younger generation you will have no shortage of people who will lend you a supportive ear.  There are a few problems with this:

1. The problems of today’s youth are grossly exaggerated.  If you need proof, do a quick google search of quotes on the problems of past generations.  You will see that for hundreds, and even thousands of years, the older generation has been incredibly disappointed with the youth.
2. Complaining is not going to help solve the current problems we are dealing with.

Leaders are always looking for ways to improve and provide their organization with a competitive advantage.  A huge competitive advantage for our team or organization is how we choose to engage the younger generation.  In a recent interview with Joe Ferraro we discussed three key ways to engage this critical population:

1.  Make a Connection- The younger generation wants to know you.  They want honestly, vulnerability, and human touch.  The younger generation demands that we get out of our comfort zone and connect.  Please don’t mistake me, this population wants pushed and held accountable.  However, they want it done by someone who they know and love.
2. Provide Freedom- This generation is smart and they can often do things faster and better than you.  Here’s the rub: they don’t want to do it your way.  Today’s elite leader will need to check their ego at the door and be more concerned with getting it right than being right.  It is critical to set high-expectations and demand accountability; however, we must provide our people the freedom to own the process.
3. Provide Opportunities for Growth and Contribution: The younger generation wants to do meaningful work and they want to know they have the ability to develop.  Sure, not everyone can have the role they desire but as leaders we can do a better job showing how every role matters to the success of the organization.  And, equally important, leaders need to provide opportunities for their people to develop.  If you are not growing you are dying.  The elite leader should be excited to help in this critical area.

The majority of coaches and leaders are in the habit of complaining about the younger generation.  This behavior is non productive at best, and frequently it is devastating to an organization.  This blaming and complaining by others is a competitive advantage for us.  This week, I am going to look for ways to be a better serve the younger generation.

Have a great week,

Mike