Career Practices Millennials Can Learn From Boomers

By Dr. Towanna Freeman, Guest Contributor

Success in career comes with a lot of hard work, dedication and passion. While the present generation is ambitious and attentive, it lacks certain skills and traits that help build successful careers. In contrast, Baby Boomers who command important positions at various organizations are well-established in their careers. Not surprisingly, therefore, Baby Boomers are the decision-makers at various companies.

As successful professionals from different fields, Baby Boomers can inspire the entire generation as a career coach for twenty-somethings in several ways. Here are some of the best career practices Millennials can learn from Boomers.

Strong Work Ethics

Baby Boomers have set a high standard for work ethics and integrity. Since they do their work with a lot of passion and sincerity, they are able to perform their duties successfully. Unlike most twenty-somethings who look for shortcuts to get their work done on time, Boomers are more principled and organized in their profession.

Self Confidence and Motivation

Boomers have gained professional success by staying motivated. They enjoy their work and look for challenges that can be turned into opportunities. Their ability to stay motivated fosters innovation. Millennials, on the other hand, lack the confidence to identify and address a problem. By observing how methodically Boomers work, twenty-somethings can prove their competence.

Adaptability and Flexibility

Successful Boomers understand the importance of changing with the times by accepting diversity in the workplace. Their ability to accept and imbibe change helps them to stay ahead of competition and contribute towards organizational growth. Millennials can learn how Boomers stay resilient and focused at work to update skills, even when competition from the younger generation is stiff and organizations are rapidly evolving.

Sound Decision-Making Abilities

Boomers grew up in an age of reform and change. As a result unlike the younger generation, Boomers are more confident when it comes to taking key business decisions. Their ability to promptly take important business decisions has boosted their careers and as a result, Boomers have quickly climbed up the corporate ladder.

Work-Life Balance

Striking a balance between work and life is imperative to achieve professional success. Boomers, with their vast experience and cognition, have understood how neglecting personal life leads to problems in the professional front. They are, therefore, more systematic to balance work with their personal lives. Their ability to focus on both personal and professional lives helps to build more stable careers.

Dealing with Recognition and Reward at Work

Most Millennials tend to lose interest in their jobs when they are not adequately praised or rewarded at their workplace. However, they often fail to understand that following mere guidelines or completing work on time does not entail entitlements. Boomers, on the other hand, are known as pioneers at work who update skills to stay abreast with change. Instead of simply following rules and guidelines, they focus on delivering value beyond the immediate purview of their work. As a result, organizations value them more.

New opportunities, better pay and perks attract youngsters who often fail to adopt a clearly-defined career strategy. As a result, they keep changing jobs and roles. Boomers have proved how valuing a career and staying focused is essential to achieve long-term benefits. Therefore, youngsters need to follow Boomers and understand how they can also achieve professional growth while recognizing diversity in the workplace.

Dr. Towanna Freeman, is the creator of BlackLifeCoaches.net and founder of the Young Women's Empowerment Network.

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