Millenials Like Life Coaching

by Suzie Doscher AMC

My life-coaching practice includes quite a number of millennials looking for answers. The topics covered range from issues at work with the boss or team, a desire to improve communication skills, lacking of support and/ or a neutral ear as well a work/life balance questions.

Unrealistic and Unhealthy Expectations

Often there is pressure to meet unrealistic and unhealthy expectations. To name a few:

• Long hours,
• Frequent travelling,
• Lack of support
• Expectation ‘to hit the ground running’ with little 'onboarding'
  (the induction and assimilation of a new employee into a company or organisation[1]).
  
  

In many cases, no time, thought or consideration for personal development is available from companies. It can be worse in a start-up, a company that has downsized, merged or bought by an overseas firm.

Millenials Love to Learn
 
It is said that millennials are obsessed with growth and learning. They have no problem given assignments forcing them to stretch. The mindset is: You figure it out, and learn from the mistakes. For some, this might be a scary thought whilst others love the challenge. It all depends on one's strengths and weaknesses.
 
Baby Boomers
 
As a mother of two millennials (1984 and 1986) I see very clearly the differences from my baby boomer years. One difference is a natural level of emotional intelligence. Millennials are more in touch with their feelings. Also a career does not necessarily mean staying with the same company for decades. Designing a career that connects with their natural talents, their strengths and passions is often the goal rather than strictly financial security. It is not the number one reason for staying in a job, especially if it is not making them happy.
 
Non-work related interests and activities are valued. They are aware of the ill effects of stress. Millenials are quite naturally not prepared to sacrifice their health and well-being for work. That is a very healthy attitude!
 
There is an abundance of trainings, seminars as well as information available online. It takes time to convert the learning and knowledge into action and behaviour. Time is missing. How to convert this intellectual knowledge into action and behavioural changes is where I see life coaching comes in.
 
‘Human–doings’ 
 
So much time is spent ‘doing’, by which I mean achieving, keeping up, staying stimulated and challenged. The price being feeling unsatisfied or not having a true sense of achievement. The good news is that unlike many baby boomers, millennials think that asking for other peoples' insights, mentoring and hands-on support is the natural thing to do. Millennials are open to coaching, look for it and do not see it as a weakness. They are interested and willing to do what it takes to feel successful and balanced.
 
If you are eager to enhance your strengths, ask for some life coaching for personal development from your company, seek it on your own, or feel free to get in touch and ask me how I can support you.
 
Keep in mind you are going to be the next leaders and could be running the show.
 

[1] Collins Dictionary Definition

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