Boomers lead the way in mentoring new generations

Are you looking for a great way to give back and continue to grow and learn? Chances are that you have the skill set to be a model mentor. You have experience, talent, insights, and time to help mold and shape the next generation of tech-savvy workers.

Why are boomers model mentors?

According to Brock Whifield of Catch Your Limit Consulting:

“Baby boomers are optimistic, team-oriented thinkers, so if they see a new employee begin to struggle, they're quick to help them get back on the right track in order to get the team working at full capacity. Their optimism is a great motivator, and rubs off on the new employee, which in turn raises company morale."

This generation is made up of team players and great collaborators. Research confirms this fact. These skills are perfect for companies looking to tap the experience and talents that boomers can bring to the table in guiding the next generation of employees.

Millennials Need Boomer Mentors
Millennials - people born between the early 1980s to the early 2000s - (in many cases, children of boomers) are taking over the workplace. They view their work as a key part of life. They seek challenging and fulfilling work. They expect a lot from their employers and themselves. They want to over achieve, but to make this happen, employers must make sure Millennials are engaged and fulfilled.

Millennials need a roadmap, someone to guide them to success. Many times, current managers are spread too thin or lack the work experience or perspectives to provide the career guidance Millennials want and need.

Smart companies realize boomers have the time, experience, and insights needed to show Millennials the roadmap to success.

Boomers Feel the Workplace Pains of Millennials
When Bbomers reflect back to the start of their careers, they realize they share many of the same values as Millennials. Many boomers starting out in careers 35-45 years ago were worried about getting stuck in unfulfilling careers and work that didn’t make a difference. They wanted the opportunity for class mobility based upon career achievement.

While Millennials today use different tech tools to communicate and sport different hairstyles and fashions than those from the workplace in the ‘60s and ‘70s, they share similar values and aspirations.

Mentoring Millennials is a critical task for innovative companies and organizations. Boomers are the perfect fit to provide the guidance and support that Millennial employees and companies need.