How to Engage Millennial "Texters"

by Jaclyn Kostner, Ph.D., Bridge the Distance, Denver, Colorado

We've all heard the expression, there is no "I" in team. But if some on your team are Millennial-Texters (aka

 

Millennials--born 1982-2000) there must be a "TEXT" in team. If not, be prepared for significant conflict and other problems.

 

Millennial-Texters have grown up with technology. They've been educated through collaborative learning. They've mastered how to leverage technology to get tasks done and to stay connected with the people or information they need for success.

 

Millennial-Texters have learned that when there's a competition, everyone in the group wins a prize. So they've grown up to believe that they can accomplish anything. As individuals, they've never worked alone, and most have never failed. They constantly text through their smartphone and consider texting to be better and faster than a phone conversation. (That's up for dispute by those from other generations!) It's cool, they say.

 

In contrast, the Boomers and Gen-Xers in today's far flung businesses communicate, collaborate, and connect differently from afar. If they had their druthers, Boomers and Gen-Xers would travel to be face-to-face because it's more normal and natural. They will use email, conference calls, web conferencing, and other technologies, but they find each a poor substitute for being together.

 

Boomers and Gen-Xers have also discoivered big advanrtages of communicating virtually: They can HIDE. They dial into the conference bridge, put the phone on mute, and multi-task to fill their boredom. They have great technology, and they use it often. But deep inside, they struggle every day about how to be truly connected on a human level in the virtual space.

If your virtual team has Millennials, you've probbly already discovered the conflict between the generations. For success engage the Millenials' hearts and minds by focusing on the 4-R's.

1. Relationships. Don't be fooled when you see them go into a corner and text constantly. They're not isolated loners; rather they are connected socially in entirely new ways. Relationships are very important to Millennial-Texters. They want to feel like they are a high-value member of the team. It doesn't matter that they are half the age of others; they want to be a full participant in the interaction. Their goal is to tap into their creative brains and contribute fully to the solution. When the job is done, Millennial-Texters expect praise and recognition, both individually and as a member of the team.
2. Responsibility. Don't assign work to a Millennial-Texters as an individual. They're just not used to working that way. Instead, assign the work to the team. Be explicit about the results you seek, and then give them the power and support needed to get it done. Millennial-Texters don't want you looking over their shoulder; rather they expect to be empowered to get the job done, their way.
3. Respect. Millennial-Texters don't understand the corporate hierarchy, but they do understand collaborative teamwork. If you are higher in the hierarchy, don't expect respect because of your position. Millennials will give you respect when they feel you have earned it. The best way to earn it is by letting them contribute their best work and lending support when they ask for it.
4. Reciprocity. If you tell Millennial-Texters that they can't use texting, IM, Facebook, and other technologies that they have grown up with, they'll quit! Be open to the new ways to work that they bring to the team. There is a lot to be learned that can help others on the team get work done well. At the same time, help Millennials understand how you work. Then communicate about it to find a happy medium.

--Jackie