Is it Really True What They Say About Me?

Those who are born between the years of 1980-2000 are called "Millennials" or "Generation Y-ers". This dynamic group of performers has earned a name for themselves in organizations surrounding the globe. They have helped many corporations strengthen their diversity mission, they are digitally sophisticated, and no task is too great. According to a 2010 report from Johnson Controls on Generation Y-ers, 96% desire an environmentally safe work environment; 56% desire flexibility in scheduling; and 79% prefer to be mobile workers in comparison to static employees. If you are a part of this group, you should be proud of who you are everyday when you show up to work. Opportunity anxiously awaits you and it is important that you realize what is being said about you:

-You like to learn and expect to be appreciated. Embrace every opportunity that is presented to you to learn more. Having knowledge will open doors for you that you wouldn't be able to walk through otherwise, so please be mindful of this. Being a SME (Subject Matter Expert) isn't a bad thing and it's to your advantage to be sought after based on your level of expertise in a particular area. Although you may enjoy being recognized, be mindful that even if recognition doesn't shine it's light on you that you should still give your best consistently.

-You enjoy having a work/life balance and expect to be compensated. It is very important to have a work/life balance meaning that neither area is overshadowing the other. You are able to keep the perspective that while work is important, there are other aspects of your life that are important as well. Being compensated well motivates you and this will spark possible career growth in the Millennials.

- You are flexible, collaborative, and unconventional. In the workplace, it is important to be flexible and embrace change positively. It is also important to lean on others for ideas and support to accomplish tasks as well as business goals. Doing these things in a fresh, new, and exciting way without diminishing your performance and level of professionalism will certainly enhance your career over time.

Although things are being said about this awesome generation, take the time to know what it is you bring to the workplace from a generational perspective. Being aware of who you are, how you fit in, and what you bring to the organization is critical in terms of your success.