Generational IQ for the Workplace and Home Collection

by Haydn Shaw

One tip for flexing your approach to be more effective with Millennials is to keep it low key. A highly respected surgeon told my dinner party that the resident doctors she supervises (and her teenage son) think she yells at them, something she doesn’t believe she does. A recent newspaper column she read, however, made her realize she’s not alone. This columnist described work conversations where Millennials felt they had been yelled at even when their bosses hadn’t raised their voices or used profanity. The boss just firmly expressed disagreement.[8] Everyone around the table told stories of how their Millennial employees or children have told them to stop yelling when they thought they were acting like Mr. Rogers compared to the lectures they’d received from bosses or parents. Millennials aren’t used to being “bossed” as much as the other generations. It wasn’t merely in the home that communication styles changed. Sports coaches or teachers that yelled more than they praised drew harsh complaints from parents. Additionally Millennials are used to more affirming forms of negative feedback than the older generations may be used to giving. Older generations, think TV therapist—counsel, don’t yell. Millennials, we don’t mean it personally, so don’t take it personally. We don’t think we’re yelling unless we actually raise our voices.