Millennials are slowly taking over and dominating the workspaces. With more than half the workforce being made up of the millennial generation, it is not a surprise that some have risen to the top management positions in various firms. However, this is not the only change taking place in workplaces; the new crop of CEOs and managers are also bringing about a unique leadership and management style that is distinct from their predecessors.
The millennial’s style is quite different and marked up from the rest. The attributes of millenial leadership is relatively inclusive and is more objective-oriented. Other than that, this leadership style has other recognizable features. The millennial leadership style has proven to be a force to reckon with, not only for the procedural difference but also for its results. Traditionally, there were leadership styles characterized by specific management methodologies. Some of these styles included:
Autocratic
In this leadership style, the leader has a totalitarian say on how projects, policies, and procedures were to be undertaken.
Laissez-faire
This style allows team members to freely make their own decisions and gives them free rein to solve problems on their own.
Democratic
A democratic leader allows team members to participate in the decision-making process. However, in this leadership style, indecisiveness and tyranny of numbers could undermine individual team members’ views.
In many aspects, the millennial style has several similarities with the democratic type of leadership. However, the millennial kind of leadership is more inclusive and encouraging for individuals’ efforts.
One of the notable characteristics of millennial leadership is the pursuit of excellence. At individual levels, junior employees seek to make a difference in their job positions, and this motive is synonymous with that of the leaders. Unlike traditional leadership systems where the way forward could be dictated by a few individuals, among millennials, everyone’s view matters, and a way of including these views is usually sought whenever necessary.
In the 21st century, computers and the internet have changed the way people do things. According to Pew Research, 95% of millennials own cell phones while 70% own laptops and computers. In the business world, these devices are being used in nearly all dealings and, therefore, they are more of a necessity than a choice to millennial leadership.
