Are we ready for a changing of the guard?

SGT Ben Keen — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 08:54:03 -0400

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?

Is Your Nonprofit Ready for Millennial Leadership? |

In the nonprofit sector, it’s essential to understand what leadership style will work best for your organization. Based on your organizational needs, you’ll need to develop a recruitment and hiring strategy that targets the leaders who are best equipped to lead, promote and innovate. By 2020, millennials will account for nearly half of the US workforce. Born after 1980 and before 2000, these young professionals are the largest and most...

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jul 9 at 2015 9:02 AM

LTC John Shaw — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 09:02:45 -0400

Gen X is still in and we are leaders!

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 9 at 2015 9:28 AM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 09:28:31 -0400

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.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 9 at 2015 12:59 PM

PO1 John Miller — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 12:59:02 -0400

Whether we're ready or not, they will take over leadership positions! One thing that is guaranteed is change!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 2 at 2015 3:39 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 15:39:17 -0500

Of course greatness will come out of this generation, however, continued risk taking is not good, and a revolution of action based on emotion can be silly.