What Do Young Adults Need from Leaders?

In the midst of what many are calling the "Great Resignation," record numbers of employees are leaving their jobs. In November 2021 alone, 4.5 million Americans quit their jobs. While there are a number of reasons for this trend, there are some steps leaders and managers can take to create a work environment that young adults find difficult to leave:​​
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• Invite the input of young adults on your team/in your organization. Ask for their ideas and insights on challenges, decisions, and opportunities. Express appreciation for their feedback, even if you are not able to incorporate it. 
• Explain the "whys." In order to feel ownership of team or organizational goals, young adults need to understand decisions, priorities, and goals. It is important to explain these clearly and respond to their questions with transparency. 
• Express appreciation. Young adults thrive on immediate feedback. Regularly express appreciation for their contributions to the team. In doing so, you earn the respect to also offer constructive feedback when needed. 
• Smile. Young adults today often feel anxiety and stress as they are entering adulthood and the workforce in very uncertain times. Leaders express encouragement and create a positive work environment can alleviate stress and help young employees perform at their best.  

I am often asked how to remain motivated in leading young adults when they often leave an organization despite our best efforts. With this generation, we need to see every engagement as an investment into the future. Even if a young person moves on to another team or organization, they will take memories and lessons (good or bad) with them. May our legacy in the lives of the young people we work with be one of empowerment, wisdom, and encouragement.   

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