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Why Boomers Managers Love/Hate Millennials

A recent interview in Forbes examines Boomer-Millennial tensions in the workplace.  

Lauren Stiller Rikleen’s  book You Raised Us — Now Work With Us argues that Millennials are unfairly stereotyped as ‘entitled’ for exhibiting a self-confidence and self-respect.  She explains that Millennials’ self-confidence is judged as immodest. Their requests for feedback is interpreted as Millennials want to be told how great they are by Boomer managers.

Rikleen suggests managers' irritation is because they are unused to giving feedback. It is a generous view.  They  did cut their teeth in era of command and control leadership and their struggle to change is clear. However, it also shows a stubborn determination to hold on the future. Many expect to defy ageing and hold onto their position. Millennials are competitors.

So stop seeking feedback from them. Choose experienced colleagues who share Millennial values of generosity and collaboration. You'll learn a lot more from those who see it as their privilege.

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