If we believed everything we read about Millenials, or “Gen Y”, we’d have organisations full of self-entitled, narcissistic, lazy people who have zero loyalty, only want to be entrepreneurs, and don’t believe in the value of hard work.

I’ve never been a fan of over-generalising when it comes to different generations in the workforce. However, there is a definite shift in the business experience as a result of the outlook and skills Gen Y bring to the table. Gen Y employees can leverage the positive aspects of that and the other generations can maximise engagement levels and opportunities presented by

the diversity of thinking and experience Gen Y brings, which is crucial for success in a fast-changing industry such as legal.

Here are some of the elements Gen Y employees can bring to the table:

• They are technology-savvy. Gen Y has grown up with it, they live on it, and they know how to communicate with it.

• They are passionate about and have an ability to deal with change.

• They are prepared to take risks with their career.

• They have a strong sense of “Why?” and seek purpose from their role in the world, and in business.

• They mostly believe anything is possible.

• They want to be engaged in their work – purpose is one aspect but they also actively seek and expect mentoring and training.

• They don’t think they have to take the traditional career ladder – they will jump on, jump off, take sideways moves and try different things.

• They embrace social media and see it as a tool for communicating.

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7 ways to maximise the Millenial Effect

Professional development CAREER COACH

Fiona Craig is dedicated to building brilliance through her professional speaking, training and coaching programs. Her signature program, Women of Influence, is designed to help women in professional services become influencers. Fiona is the founder of SmartWomen Connect (smartwomenconnect.com.au), a growing community of women committed to bringing the human connection back to business. To learn more go to fionacraig.com.au or connect with Fiona on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/fionacraig

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• They understand the importance of their own personal brand, and are not as wedded to popular or large employer brands.

There are two sides to every coin so, of course, there are pros and cons to each of these points.

If you are reading this as a Gen Y employee, here are my top tips to help you make the most of the traits above. And if you’re reading it as an employer of Gen Y, use it as a guide on how you can maximise the diversity Gen Y brings.

1. Technology is a tool – teach others how to use itThere is power in knowledge. If your employer is a little lagging in adoption of social media and/or technology, demonstrate the benefits of it. Focus on the value it will add to the organisation as a whole (not just you), and in particular the value it will bring to the business.

2. Do more face time (in person, not on your iPhone!)Social media is an incredible platform for connection – potential new clients, new connections and new opportunities abound when you use it properly. However, ultimately business is best done by people and you will get better results from your communication if you don’t always choose to hide behind technology. Get on the phone (yes, you CAN use it for talking) and make a point of dropping into people’s offices. Nothing can replace the rapport and relationship building of face-to-face time.

3. Use your social conscience for good in your organisationDo you have a cause you are passionate about? Work out if there is a way it can be supported by your employer. Again, focus on the benefits to the organisation and the business of doing so.

4. Earn your stripesWhile the world appears to move at lightening speed these days, some things can’t, and shouldn’t be rushed. Skills and experience are crucial for a

long and successful career in law (and beyond it) – and in most legal roles you can’t really fake them (well, not without being found out eventually). Show up, do the work – even the stuff you think might be beneath you – build your skills, experience and your profile (internal and external) and earn respect and recognition from your employer. Do that, and opportunities will flow.

5. Hone your writing skillsWhile even legal writing has become less formal over the years, one of the key skills for a lawyer is an ability to communicate in written form clearly and concisely. Take the principles of Twitter – getting your point across clearly and in a compelling fashion in 140 characters is no mean feat – and make a point of honing your written communication skills.

6. Love the one you’re withWhile the job for life is gone forever, it pays to commit to the organisation you are with. On a personal level, committing for a period of time will help you get better results – you will be more entrenched in the organisation, you will develop better relationships (which will stay with you even if you move) and you will have the opportunity to influence culture and the way the business is run.

7. Seek and accept mentoring and wisdomYou’re not perfect. You don’t know it all. You can’t do everything better than older generations. There are many benefits in working within a diverse group – age wise and experience wise. Soak up the knowledge from your elders, and aim to pay it back by passing on as much knowledge as you can to anyone you come across in your career (junior or senior to you).

Embrace all skills and experience – be the best employee you can be, and the best employer you can be, too. Better engagement will flow, and that will benefit everyone.

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Ethics

FACING AN ETHICAL DILEMMA?

Contact the Law Society for practical, confidential guidance on ethical questions and complaints.

(02) 9926 0114 ethics@lawsociety.com.au

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