Story, relevance, interaction and appreciation. These are the magic words of coach Jenni Rajahalme, with which associations, organizations and companies can win over representatives of the millennial generation. The task is not exactly easy, after all, the age group's concentration is studied as good as a goldfish. Still, the Leader groups took up the challenge, and the workshop led by Rajahalme resulted in a checklist that no community should miss.
Millennials want to be part of the story. That's why every organization, municipality, and company must have one. You can find your own voice by thinking about these questions, among others: What is the essence of our uniqueness? Who are our heroes? What are the milestones in our history? The miracles we have done?
For millennials, relevance is the new black. They have been taught to follow their dreams, which makes them constantly analyze their feelings. Do I like my job? Is this what I want to do with my life? Seeking meaningful experiences is also seen as a sense of responsibility. As lifeguards, they seek solutions to make it better for everyone on this planet.
Millennials crave interaction. They feel obligated to give feedback, both good and bad, and experiences are readily shared on social media. That's why it's especially worth being careful in customer service situations. 68% of millennials have switched to another brand after a failed customer service experience. As employees, they also want to interact with management, as participation is important to them.
Millennials cannot be micromanaged. So if you want to successfully lead millennials in a work community or association, create a safe playground for them to play around in. Without freedom, good people will quickly move on. Because of their part-time jobs, millennials are also good at adapting to change. Learning new things and constantly developing is a prerequisite for them to be happy, not a necessary evil.
Millennials don't want to commit. They want the freedom to choose and change their minds. That's why, for example, associations should offer them opportunities to participate in activities in a pop-up style. Sometimes you hear people say that millennials are not volunteers. In reality, only the nature of unpaid work has changed. Millennials have grown up with technology, so let them show their skills in this area, for example.
Millennials can focus on one thing for eight seconds. This is especially important to remember when communicating. So don't ramble, get straight to the point. Build a hook to grab the attention of impatient millennials.
Millennials are not easily charmed. But if you share a common set of values and it works, you will make them enthusiastic advocates. Because when the values are to their liking, millennials are happy to associate themselves with associations, companies and organizations. However, this requires that your values are visible and heard far and wide! Being lukewarm is not for millennials.
Photo: When a millennial does something, they want their heart to be involved! Elli Koskinen runs a jewelry store specializing in piercings in the center of Jalasjärvi. Niko Luokkakallio leads drama clubs at the Jokipi Youth Club. It is important to both of them that young people have things to do and opportunities in the countryside.