This Is Why You Don't Succeed - Simon Sinek on The Millennial Generation

Summary

The speaker discusses common questions about managing Millennials in the workplace. He analyzes four factors impacting Millennials: failed parenting strategies that overly pampered them, addictive social media and technology, impatience and expectations for instant gratification, and poor corporate environments focused on short-term gains over developing people. He urges companies to build Millennials' confidence and skills through more patient mentoring, teaching social skills and cooperation, helping balance technology, and creating opportunities for small interactions to foster relationships and innovation.

Takeaways

• 😟 Millennials are accused of being entitled, narcissistic, lazy, and difficult to manage in corporate environments.
• 😔 Millennials grew up subject to failed parenting strategies that told them they were special without earning it, leading to lower self-esteem.
• 📱 Technology and social media provide constant access to dopamine, making Millennials more prone to addiction and less able to form deep relationships.
• ⌛ Millennials grew up with instant gratification from technology, making them impatient when they enter the workforce.
• 😣 Corporate environments prioritize short-term gains over supporting Millennial development, damaging their confidence and skills.
• 😢 The rise in depression, drug abuse and suicide among Millennials may be tied to flawed parenting, technology, impatience and poor corporate culture.
• 🙅‍♂️ Banning cell phones in conference rooms could help build relationships through small talk while waiting for meetings.
• 😴 Charging phones away from the bedroom could reduce temptation to use them, improving sleep.
• 🤝 Corporations now have a responsibility to help Millennials learn social skills, patience and find work/life balance.
• 😀 Removing temptation and building connection through small interactions could help foster innovation and ideas.

Q & A

What is the 'millennial question' that the speaker is often asked?

The 'millennial question' refers to why millennials are seen as entitled, narcissistic, and difficult to manage in the workplace.

What are the four key factors the speaker identifies as impacting millennials?

The four key factors are: 1) parenting, 2) technology/social media, 3) impatience/instant gratification, and 4) corporate environments.

How does the speaker say many millennials were raised by their parents?

The speaker says many millennials were overly praised and rewarded by their parents, being told they were special and deserved anything they wanted. They often got rewards they didn't earn.

How can frequent social media use be compared to substance addiction?

The brain chemical dopamine, which makes us feel good, is released both when we use social media/phones and when we use addictive substances. Both can be overused and addictive.

Why does the speaker say millennials struggle with forming deep relationships?

Due to reliance on shallow social media connections rather than face-to-face interactions, millennials have fewer coping skills and struggle forming meaningful relationships.

What problem arises from millennials' expectations for instant gratification?

They lack patience and persistence, expecting achievement quickly rather than understanding that fulfillment requires hard work over long periods of time.

What is the worst-case scenario for millennials in the workplace?

Increased depression, drug abuse, dropping out due to inability to cope with stress and unrealistic expectations around achievement.

What is the responsibility of companies regarding millennial employees?

Companies must mentor millennials, build their confidence, teach social skills, encourage balance and patience, and create environments focused on long-term development.

How can company policies around cell phone use impact relationships?

Banning cell use in meetings facilitates personal conversations and relationship-building between employees during those minor moments.

How can companies help foster innovation among digital-dependent millennials?

Encouraging device-free interactions allows minds to wander and ideas to percolate, leading to innovation, rather than constant distracted engagement.