Comments on: They Didn’t Ask But Here It Is Anyway: 10 Ways For Millennials To Earn Respect

By: Middle Zone Musings » What I Learned From 2008 - GL Hoffman

Middle Zone Musings » What I Learned From 2008 - GL Hoffman — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:00:34 +0000

[...] They Didn’t Ask But Here It Is Anyway, 10 Ways for Millenials To Earn Respect This gives some new, fresh ideas to your generation x’er or y’er on how to do better at [...]

By: Best Of 2008 » What Would Dad Say

Best Of 2008 » What Would Dad Say — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:35:22 +0000

[...] January, 2008: “They Didn’t Ask But Here It Is Anyway, 10 Ways for Millenials To Earn Respect This gives some new, fresh ideas to your generation x’er or y’er on how to do better at [...]

By: Matthew

Matthew — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 05:12:52 +0000

As a Millennial myself (B: 1984), I found your article interesting. Many of the ten guideposts you outlined are an issue for those within my generation; however, they can be broadly applied to workers within any generation. I have a Facebook and a MySpace; however, I keep it private and I don’t put anything up on the site that would compromise how others view me personally or professionally. I’ve been working full time since I was 19 (Simultaneously attended college full-time) and recently left a job as a retail manager to start a career in HR; I can say that I found the work ethic among older employees to be far superior to that of my peers. They don’t call in sick, don’t complain, and tend to take many things with stride. Thank you for the insight in this article; it provides confirmation to me on how I don’t want to act in the workplace. However, on the flip side, I want respect and I’ll earn it by working hard. Indeed, there are some within my generation that don’t take much of anything seriously; however, I have noticed that I tend to be prejudged by older adults consistently because of my youthful looks (I do look about 18) and due to my lack of experience in the workforce. If anyone here could offer additional tips on how to overcome that (I do act professionally, carry myself with poise, and have a positive attitude) I’d greatly appreciate it!

By: wwds

wwds — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 14:59:48 +0000

Great point, Anita. I would add to keep that pad of paper or several pads of paper around your desk, car and home too. I can’t tell you how many times a thought popped into my mind when I was no where close to a ‘puter. If I don’t get it written down at THE time, I lose it.

By: Anita Bruzzese

Anita Bruzzese — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 20:41:18 +0000

Honestly, I think these are wonderful suggestions for everyone (plenty of people over 30 makes these same mistakes), but if I could mention one problem that I hear time and again: Learn to write it down. You will not always have your Blackberry or computer handy, so keep a pad and pen handy to write down whatever your boss tells you. Not only does this stop the annoying problem of you forgetting the instructions you were given or getting them wrong (which seriously ticks off a boss), but it will make the boss feel respected — and that always pays off.
Anita Bruzzese
http://www.45things.com

By: wwds

wwds — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 21:26:33 +0000

That is a better way to describe the sentiment behind Number Ten.

By: Conrad

Conrad — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 21:22:36 +0000

This is a great list for the young worker. I would add on #10 that if you spent the weekend skiing in the mountains and come up sick or broken – multiply that need to get to work by at least four! No boss wants to hear how his worker went on a weekend of fun and incapacitated themselves for work. Bring that leg with you in a bag if need be.

Once they get what you are teaching them, it will just seem like common sense.