July 8, 2008

Millennials: Not your Father's Generation

By Monta Monaco Hernon

Have a need for new hires to help with all of the products and services coming online? No worries! The children of Baby Boomers are entering the workforce, and they are estimated to be 75 million strong.

Who are these youngsters? They are the Millennials (resist the temptation to call them Boomlets, please), and they don't remember the world of Dewey Decimal, corded phones, or (Egads!) letter writing.

"If you think they are not going to change the demands in your training environment, wake up," said Rich LaPat, regional vice president, Comcast University, on during a breakout session at the L&D conference at Cable-Tec Expo in Philadelphia in June, "Powerful Facilitation for the Millennial Generation."

Remember that Millennials grew up in an age of instant gratification that has changed both technologically and politically. They were all given trophies on the soccer field and expect everybody to win. They are optimistic. "Barriers, schmarriers - they will blow right past those. They know it will be all right in the end," LaPat said.

"They expect flexibility and diversity in schedules and every aspect of the work environment," he added.

Rethink training

Training programs must now address the needs of the Millennials and a learning style affected by a quick-paced, technology filled life. "mLearning" is the buzzword being bandied about as a way to deliver programs to the mobile devices the Millennials are used to.

The content, of course, has to be different as well, and LaPat demonstrated a branded game used by Merrill Lynch to teach about the mergers and acquisitions process. In video game style, users were asked to make decisions regarding the appropriate company for a wireless firm to acquire.

"Games are a great way to incorporate technology into the learning environment .... This (also) gives the opportunity to see how they make decisions," LaPat said.

The characteristics that comprise the Millennial generation make them respond well to fast-paced learning. LaPat suggested switching activities or topics on 15-minute intervals. They like interaction, goals and recognition.

"Let them know where they've got to go .... (We need to motivate) more than we've ever done in the past ... they don't want to be taught. They want to be participating in the learning environment," he said.

"Give them the opportunity to provide input. Pay attention, listen, be fully present," he added.

- Monta Monaco Hernon