Here’s How Millennial Bosses Lead Differently Than Those Of Older Generations

Unsplash/Michael Dam

It’s no surprise that millennials are quickly taking over the workforce in the United States. In fact, we’re expected to make up 35 percent of all working citizens by the year 2020. With more employees come — yep — more bosses, and we’re not like those of previous generations. Here are the new ways millennials are leading teams.

1. They’re tech-obsessed.

Millennials are quicker to adopt new technology than even Generation Xers, according to an IT Toolbox survey. In fact, 78 percent of millennials reported utilizing and accessing work data from multiple devices and wanting more tech tools at work. Millennial bosses expect their teams to be up on the latest tech that could make their workplaces more efficient.

2. They’re seeking purpose — not just success.

In a 2017 Deloitte survey, 76 percent of millennials said that they want to work for businesses that not only achieve goals, but also do something good for the world. Millennials want to feel like they’re making a positive impact even if they’re in an office for eight hours every day. Millennial bosses are more likely to push for volunteering projects or campaigns that will pair their company values with a greater sense of purpose.

Unsplash/Brooke Lark

3. They prefer messaging over face-to-face communication.

Research from consulting firm Korn Ferry found that 55 percent of millennial managers would prefer to message their employees online versus chat in person. Online messaging platforms like Slack and Trello are often utilized in younger workplaces. Twenty-eight percent of millennial managers reported preferring e-mail second after messaging platforms and ahead of a face-to-face communication.

4. They’re compassionate with their teams.

According to research from U.S. News & World Report, the biggest reason millennials want to become leaders is to empower others. Only 5 percent surveyed reported wanting to step into a leadership position mainly for the money, and just 1 percent reported accepting a leadership position to gain more power. (That’s not to say that older-generation bosses lack compassion; it’s just that millennial leaders make it a clear priority.)

5. They never stop learning.

Millennial leaders are aware of their areas that need improvement, and 53 percent of young bosses are still eager to learn from mentors even if they believe they’ve reached the peak of their careers. Millennial bosses may even push for a mentorship-friendly environment within the workplace to promote that particular learning process across their teams. (Again, older bosses don’t dislike learning. It’s just that millennials want to be human sponges 24/7 throughout their careers.)

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