In today’s ever connected and fast-paced world, Generation Y, or Millenials, born between the early 1980’s and the mid-1990’s to early 2000’s are a generation unlike the world has ever seen. Raised by the Baby Boomers who were influenced by Vietnam, Watergate, and were “idealistic” in nature, Millenials are perceived to be motivated by time off who value individuality and have low company loyalty (Montana Office of Public Instruction). But, when trying to connect with them on a coaching, advisement-type role, how is this best accomplished? A report by ICEF Monitor proclaims that people most successful in this endeavor “don’t dictate or shout, but empower and leave control in the hands of youth” (“How to connect with today’s youth: Part 1
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Traditional mentoring, such as that which occurs in the previously mentioned organizations, does not specify age or familial requirements when pairing mentors to mentees. Although not necessarily a bad thing, the lack of emphasis placed on “non-familial” relationships, I believe, is of note. As the Chronicle of Evidence-Based Mentoring suggests, a study they conducted reports that “non-familial mentors seemed to have an even greater influence than familial mentors” (Rhodes, 2014). Consequently, the new model of mentorship I am purporting capitalizes on “non-familial” relationships by scouting out successful, young adults throughout the country and bringing them to conversations with a largely unknown group of Millenials. Although more challenging for the speaker, it forces him or her to earn the respect of the audience and provides the Millenials the ability to engage in frank conversation that might be disconcerting or uncomfortable should it involve someone of a closer connection. Much like professors exiting the room when second-year students provide advice to first-year students, non-familial engagement facilitates a powerful and honest dialogue that could potentially embed life-additive lessons in the youth of …show more content…
Although some do not realize this notion until later in life, the power of mentorship is one that never ceases to amaze and never fails to change the lives of those who follow in others footsteps. As such, by understanding the way Millenials think, what they value, and how to engage them in meaningful conversation, I believe there is a great opportunity to successfully mentor and shape the youth or today – tomorrow’s leaders. By engaging in non-familial, honest conversations that imbue a few key lessons learned from the school of life, adults looking to have a positive impact on those younger than themselves can literally help to shape the future leaders of our country. Engendering respect, tying in currently-popular trends, and fostering a sense of “freedom to challenge or question,” will allow these speakers and/or mentors to connect with Millenials on a deeper level than possibly thought, all with the hope of helping to minimize mistakes and capitalize on opportunities. The youth of this country deserve our greatest attention and investment, starting with providing them positive role models to look up to and emulate as they grow up in this connected, rapidly-changing
Traditional mentoring, such as that which occurs in the previously mentioned organizations, does not specify age or familial requirements when pairing mentors to mentees. Although not necessarily a bad thing, the lack of emphasis placed on “non-familial” relationships, I believe, is of note. As the Chronicle of Evidence-Based Mentoring suggests, a study they conducted reports that “non-familial mentors seemed to have an even greater influence than familial mentors” (Rhodes, 2014). Consequently, the new model of mentorship I am purporting capitalizes on “non-familial” relationships by scouting out successful, young adults throughout the country and bringing them to conversations with a largely unknown group of Millenials. Although more challenging for the speaker, it forces him or her to earn the respect of the audience and provides the Millenials the ability to engage in frank conversation that might be disconcerting or uncomfortable should it involve someone of a closer connection. Much like professors exiting the room when second-year students provide advice to first-year students, non-familial engagement facilitates a powerful and honest dialogue that could potentially embed life-additive lessons in the youth of …show more content…
Although some do not realize this notion until later in life, the power of mentorship is one that never ceases to amaze and never fails to change the lives of those who follow in others footsteps. As such, by understanding the way Millenials think, what they value, and how to engage them in meaningful conversation, I believe there is a great opportunity to successfully mentor and shape the youth or today – tomorrow’s leaders. By engaging in non-familial, honest conversations that imbue a few key lessons learned from the school of life, adults looking to have a positive impact on those younger than themselves can literally help to shape the future leaders of our country. Engendering respect, tying in currently-popular trends, and fostering a sense of “freedom to challenge or question,” will allow these speakers and/or mentors to connect with Millenials on a deeper level than possibly thought, all with the hope of helping to minimize mistakes and capitalize on opportunities. The youth of this country deserve our greatest attention and investment, starting with providing them positive role models to look up to and emulate as they grow up in this connected, rapidly-changing