This article is by Asha Sharma, CMO of Porch.com.
We live in a world where generational companies such as Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Airbnb have not only created new marketplaces, but have set a course to change our economies and the very world we live in.
Though these companies span different industries, they all have at least one thing in common: Millennials serve as both founders and leaders.
As the Millennial Generation grows up, graduates, and moves into the workforce, we should expect to see an influx of Millennials in leadership positions over the next few years.
In fact, according to a study by PWC , Millennials will make up an estimated 50% of the workforce by 2020. It may sound startling, but that is only five years away.
Asha Sharma, CMO of Porch.com.
In the spirit of full transparency, I am considered part of the Millennial Generation (which is defined as those born after 1980) and I am in a position of leadership at Porch.com where I serve as CMO.
What I love about my job is that we are a very diverse group. Our leadership team represents different points of view and our expertise crosses and extends different experiences, generations and industries. We know there are different nuances, competencies, and principles among us. We embrace them, understand them, and ultimately work together exceptionally as a result.
So what is like to work with someone who is a Millennial leader?
To help both Millennials and non-Millennials communicate and collaborate, here are three things everyone should know about this generation of leaders.
Millennial leaders are impatient.
Millennials are impatient. We are the generation that expects instant gratification. I’m no exception to the stereotype, as I want to impact customers immediately. Every single day matters, and for me with hundreds of people on my team across marketing, sales, support, operations, and growth, it’s my responsibility to retain and produce at high rates while maximizing inputs.
How can Millennial leaders use their impatience for good?
It all comes down to focus. It’s not as much what you do, as how you do it. I have found that a foundation of deep analytics (to support big goals) is a great way to balance the need for instant gratification with focus. By using data as a guide, you can move fast but most importantly, impact areas of the business that need to move fast.
Millennial leaders embrace collaborative environments.
One of my top priorities is to create a company that people genuinely enjoy working at. I often say, “Employees are our first customers." I want to build an environment where people literally run up the stairs everyday to build something great, together. This comes through the development of culture that anchors and celebrates collaboration.
How can Millennial leaders encourage a culture of collaboration throughout the workplace?
In general, I think Millennials have been raised in an environment and during a time when the sum of the parts is truly greater than the whole. We have grown up in a world that embraces and thrives through the networking of ideas. Millennial leaders who leverage their instincts to bring others in can create a sense of community that not only achieves exceptional results, but also does so in a way where the aggregate contributions of the office mean more than individual accomplishments.
Millennial leaders feel like they have something to prove.
Millennials have something to prove. We are laser focused on the prime directive, and always aim to win. This is what I like to call the “wartime gene,” but it’s larger than winning in terms of personal career advancements and accolades; we want to drive perpetual change and innovation within in industries, marketplaces, and global issues.
Millennials want to make a lasting impact on the world. This is what motivates me everyday - I want to be apart of something that matters and makes a difference and it reflects in how I fundamentally approach every day.
How can Millennial leaders use their ambition to make others better?
Be obsessed with your customers. Listen to them. Work with them. Do everything you can to earn their trust. If you have something to prove, prove to your customers that you are in business for them. Invest in your operations, in particular support, so you are constantly and consistently putting the customers needs above all else.
