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As a leader of two nonprofits and a Millennial myself, I saw this article and found it very interesting. Of course, since this article appeared in online publication for Nonprofits, it focuses on that sector of business but I think we can take the tips and advise given and expand upon it to include for-profit companies and yes even the military.
If you been on RallyPoint for any amount of time, I'm sure you have seen the "what wrong with generation [insert name here]" threads. Sure there are some gaps between the generations, some a lot larger than others. My kids are growing up in an age when mobile devices are the normal. I remember not getting my first computer until I was 16 and it was huge beast of a machine. My son, who is now 10 years old, had computer class in Kindergarten. My daughter who is turning 9 years old in a few weeks, uses terms like "selfie" and "hashtag". So this brings me back to the article.
As the nation gears up for the baby boomers to leave the work force, more and more Millennials are getting their chance to lead. We are taking our talents and taking them to the board rooms, both in the nonprofit and forprofit sectors.
And because of draw down of military forces, a lot of these Millennials are coming out of years of great and honorable service in the US Military. These Millennials are entering the world with an even bigger bag of tips, tricks and skills.
So RP, is the world ready for the changing of the guard that is upon us? What are some growing pains you think companies may feel with new ideas and methods taking over the organization?
If you been on RallyPoint for any amount of time, I'm sure you have seen the "what wrong with generation [insert name here]" threads. Sure there are some gaps between the generations, some a lot larger than others. My kids are growing up in an age when mobile devices are the normal. I remember not getting my first computer until I was 16 and it was huge beast of a machine. My son, who is now 10 years old, had computer class in Kindergarten. My daughter who is turning 9 years old in a few weeks, uses terms like "selfie" and "hashtag". So this brings me back to the article.
As the nation gears up for the baby boomers to leave the work force, more and more Millennials are getting their chance to lead. We are taking our talents and taking them to the board rooms, both in the nonprofit and forprofit sectors.
And because of draw down of military forces, a lot of these Millennials are coming out of years of great and honorable service in the US Military. These Millennials are entering the world with an even bigger bag of tips, tricks and skills.
So RP, is the world ready for the changing of the guard that is upon us? What are some growing pains you think companies may feel with new ideas and methods taking over the organization?
Posted in these groups: 
Transition
Millennials
Transition Millennials
Posted >1 y ago
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SGT Ben Keen I'm trying to keep up, but its time to let the next generation take the reigns. They are very smart and computer savvy bunch. At the same time, there are a lot of exeperience combat veteran leaders leaving the service because of draw down and entering the private sector. I see that as leaving a large gap for the next conflict in the military and the competitve market getting overwhelmed with a lot of smart talent and leaders. When I say I try to keep up I have to text and Facetime my daughters to get any updates on what is going on their life. I remember when you had to pick up the phone and dial (not push) to call them and there were no cell phones and computers to keep in touch.
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SGT Ben Keen
COL Mikel J. Burroughs - I think my parents are the only people left within my close family that still hold onto things like calling. My mom does not own and probably will never own a mobile phone. If I need her for something, I have to pick up the phone and call her. I asked her once if she wanted us to get her a mobile phone. Her response made me smile, "No why? You father has one or you can get off your lazy ass and just call me."
You also highlighted an important fact in all this. The growing knowledge gap not in just the military but in the private sector as well. As I mentioned in another discussion, the Pittsburgh, PA region is facing a gap of 106,000 jobs with no way to fill them as the baby boomers retire. I think we got a preview of this gap in the military during the early days of the current war on terrorism. Prior to 9/11, combat patches were rare and those that had one were held in a position of honor within the unit. We relied on them for their knowledge of "how things really are". We are once again facing that same sort of thing. I think that is where RallyPoint can really be a neat tool for the leaders-to-be. Here, you are seeing a place to ask those questions to those of us that been there and done that. And the answer doesn't disappear when SFC Joe Snuffy leaves the unit.
You also highlighted an important fact in all this. The growing knowledge gap not in just the military but in the private sector as well. As I mentioned in another discussion, the Pittsburgh, PA region is facing a gap of 106,000 jobs with no way to fill them as the baby boomers retire. I think we got a preview of this gap in the military during the early days of the current war on terrorism. Prior to 9/11, combat patches were rare and those that had one were held in a position of honor within the unit. We relied on them for their knowledge of "how things really are". We are once again facing that same sort of thing. I think that is where RallyPoint can really be a neat tool for the leaders-to-be. Here, you are seeing a place to ask those questions to those of us that been there and done that. And the answer doesn't disappear when SFC Joe Snuffy leaves the unit.
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
SGT Ben Keen I totally agree. That gap was created during the "Cold War" period after Vietnam and I'm afraid that we will take a stance of Isolationism like we did after World I and stay away from conflict, thus losing all that knowledge and leadership within the ranks, but if we get a POTUS that can unit the world against the continued threats, maybe not. On a personal note, let me add one more thing. My parents (Dad 84 and Mom 80) actually Facetime with me every Sunday. I have moved them along with texting, emailing, cell phone, computer, and iPad! They are amazing, but I still have to help them once in awhile with the settings - Its keeps them alert and engaged, which I think is very healthy for individuals their age. LOL!
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SGT Ben Keen
Oh there is no question that Generation X'ers, if that is the correct term to use, are in leadership roles and will be there for minute. And I'm sure this discussion was had a lot around the water cooler so it is nothing new. But I do feel that the changes we have seen and now grew up in will have an interesting impact as we see more and more Millennials joining the Gen X'ers in these leadership roles.
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SGT Ben Keen
Whether we're ready or not, they will take over leadership positions! One thing that is guaranteed is change!
Whether we're ready or not, they will take over leadership positions! One thing that is guaranteed is change!
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