I was grateful to be able to attend an event today at Butler University with one of my co-workers. While there, we were able to hear Dr. Carol Hagans speak about the differences of generations, focusing on gen X and the millennials. Anyone who has not heard her speak, she is brilliant. One comment she made really struck my attention (guess what it is!!
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Rather than “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, we should change it to do unto others keeping their preferences in mind.”
What a great way to approach-eh-pretty much everything. Whether it’s recruiting, doing business, managing employees or interns, relating…to anyone, keeping others’ preferences in mind is a perfect start. This is probably not something that would necessarily come naturally though, especially if you’re a high D on the disc profile. Often, we have our own ideas and agendas, our own goals with plans on how to get there, and we can easily just expect people to jump on our bandwagon. I know I am guilty of this.
In working with millennials and being one myself, I know exactly how it feels to want to be a part of a company that values my approach, my ideas, and allows me to be me. Every millennial out there feels the same way. They need to be valued, they need to be heard, and they need to be themselves.
I encourage all of you to be open to keeping others’ preferences in mind. If you have interns working with your company and you see a promising future for them there, this is a key to retention.
What are some things that you do to treat others how they wish to be treated that is different than how you wish to be treated?