If so, this blog post if just for you.
Generation Y was born between 1981-1995.
I had the privilege of being the keynote speaker at the Jump Start program for freshmen at Oakland University in Rochester MI.
There were 200 eager freshmen waiting to learn how they can become involved as future leaders during their stay at Oakland University.
Thanks to Chris Jensen (Assistant Director of Leadership and Service) and Meaghan Walter (Graduate Assistant for Leadership Development & First Year Programs) who coordinated & planned the most impressive Jump Start Program.
They made all 200 students feel extremely welcome and important. The enthusiasm continued throughout the entire day. It’s a good thing for Vitamin C and caffeine!
Both Chris and Meaghan helped me plan my portion of the program to make sure that it would be a success.
I thank both of them for their important input to help us achieve a most successful project together.
We started out the session discussing how these young men and women have the world in their hands.
Each one can make a difference due to their desire to share their uniqueness with the world.
The millennial generation…or generation Y has been given many choices.
They want to become active in making the world a better place.
We had a very energetic discussion on the meaning of success.
We discussed that money is good and a hot career is important.
We also discussed that their unique talents will make the true mark in this world.
They all shared their unique skills and talents that they brought to Oakland University.
This was truly book material!
We then discussed the 4 NEW WORK REALITIES which contained information on my experience dealing with conflict in the workplace between employers and employees.
I helped them discover what to expect when they graduate to prepare for their career development.
Work Reality #1:
Generation Y is Both Colliding and Clicking with Gen X, Baby Boomers, & Traditionalists.
Generation Y: Millennials want to express themselves and their unique gifts.
They are on the move because they see many opportunities that are offered to them.
Other generations watch Gen Y change jobs and see this as a lack of work ethic.
This generation may be finding a better job that fits their skills and talents better.
Each generation has its own positive contributions.
All generations need to be ready to collaborate with each other and discuss challenges openly and respectively.
Here’s a question for you…
How do you think other generations feel about your own generation?
Are these assumptions accurate or generalizations? The same goes for all generations.
Different equals different.
Different does not equal wrong!
Work Reality # 2:
Commit Fully to Your Education
Commitment …
- Is a gift that you can give to yourself
- Empowers you
- Brings out your very best potential
- Makes you a more valuable student and future employee
I’ve noticed that people who do whatever it takes to get the job done…
- Seem to be fulfilled in their life
- Become experts in their field
- Understand that “just doing my job” is a sign of mediocrity
I have a question for you…
How are you showing your commitment to be the best at what you do at school or at work?
Work Reality #3:
Constantly Learn
Lifelong learning is the only way to remain competitive.
This relentless drive to acquire new skills & stay informed creates enthusiasm in what you do.
Here is another question for you…
What is the best class that you ever took and why?
The answer may reveal some important information on future training or exploration for you.
Work Reality #4:
Learn From Setbacks and Convert Challenges Into Success
I told the freshmen the following message:
“You won’t always do the right thing.
Maybe you didn’t do well in high school and Oakland University will be your fresh start.
You may get your first C in school or even fail a class.
Do you drop out or start over, learn and improve?I know what I’m talking about. Look what I do for a living.
Most people would rather die than give a speech.
Professional speakers face rejection every time they open their mouth.
Some people will not like the speaker’s message, sound of their voice, pattern of their business suit…etc.
I’ve become an expert in helping others turn their challenges into an opportunity due to my own work related challenges.”
Here are two more questions…
What challenge may be stopping you at this moment?
What do you need to do to face the challenge in order to grow?
Failure is never final.
Success does not last forever!
We also discussed multitasking and balancing time between doing homework and having a social life.
Look for these tips from the keynote speech Take the Ride of Your Life in a future blog.
Check out these video testimonials from 3 very bright and positive future leaders at Oakland University.
I enjoyed my time with each and every student and look forward to hearing about their continued success!
Share this blog with your own Gen Y and let me know the result of your communication.
I love staying in touch with my loyal readers!
Was this helpful?
Let us hear your thoughts about your own experiences with different generations.
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Until next time
Remember, You GET What YOU Tolerate!
Joyce Weiss, M.A., CSP
Conflict Resolution Consultant & Accountability Coach
