Are you ready to lead the next generation of engineers?

By 2020, the millennial generation (born in the early 1980s through to mid / end 1990s) will comprise over half the UK workforce.

This generation has several unique characteristics – and it’s crucial for engineering businesses to understand them. After all, in times of engineering skills shortage, retaining millennials, who are known for their tendency to job-hop when dissatisfied, is even more important. 

How to understand and lead millennials

While generalisations about any group of people can be misleading, they can be useful in providing an insight into what millennials expect and can, therefore, help you implement more effective leadership strategies.

1. They seek recognition
   Millennials have been raised in an era of instant gratification, receiving feedback face-to-face, online and in education. Leaders must: Provide frequent (genuine) feedback. This isn’t about empty praise, rather it’s about spending a couple of minutes each day communicating expectations and letting people know how they’re doing.
2. They are results-oriented
   Millennials focus on getting work complete rather than simply turning up. They see little value in being in the office just to keep up appearances. Leaders must: Trust millennials to be responsible and do their tasks. If that means working from home on Fridays or occasionally turning up 30 minutes late, focus on the results first.
3. They seek meaning in their careers
   Surveys suggest millennials prioritise doing something ‘meaningful’ over financial rewards. Leaders must: Where possible provide opportunities to work on socially-conscious projects and allow time for volunteering during working hours. If that isn’t possible, as a minimum make sure that they know the “meaning, the purpose” behind everything they do – why it’s important, how it fits into the organisation’s goals.
4. They will not automatically respect authority
   Millennials tend to question authority - this generation was raised to ask 'why?’. Leaders must: Learn to appreciate the value of orders being questioned. Be prepared to provide the reasons behind decisions.
5. They are always connected
   Having been immersed in technology practically from an early age, millennials are all too accustomed to being constantly connected and using numerous means to communicate. Leaders must:  Avoid the temptation to ban technology. Instead, embrace the benefits of the diverse environment that technology can create, which will, most likely, encourage open communication amongst your staff. 

Develop and adapt

With over 30 years’ experience in developing engineering leaders, the Institution can help identify and develop leadership skills, which will in turn increase employee retention and engagement, improve team performance, and maximise profitability.

To find out more, download our leadership brochure, or visit imeche.org/leadership.