Millennials — the tech savy, short attention spanned 20-somethings are entering the government workforce in record numbers. They’re often lauded as the tech saviors for the older, outdated workforce. But there are still a bunch of things these young employees can learn from their predecessors.
Mark Babbitt is CEO and Founder of YouTern. He told Chris Dorobek on the DorobekINSIDER program the 25 Old Fart Rules that Millennials need to learn in order to be successful on the job.
Millennials listen up — 25 Old Fart Rules that you Need to Learn by cdorobek
Mark’s 25 Old Fart Rules: — We’ve highlighted some of our favorites
- There is no such thing as “I can’t do that” – or – “That’s not my job”.
- There is no time for divas, drama, victim statements or whining.
- Nothing is more impressive than good, old-fashioned hustle.
- Humble confidence is the second-most impressive trait.
- Unless you’ve worked out alternative hours, saying “I’m not a morning person” is beyond lame.
- There is almost no such thing as a dumb question (ever hear of Google?)
- GOOD questions are a sign you are sincerely interested in growing – and learning.
- Challenging status quo with “why” questions is a sign of intelligence (and leadership).
- Saying you are going to do something turns it into a commitment – and a responsibility.
- No trophy will be given for “effort” – you are measured on results achieved, only.
- Just as important as results… is the attitude shown while achieving.
- What you were taught in school, for the most part, doesn’t apply here… adapt, quickly.
- No glory will be given for learning what you already claimed to know (or what you should know)
- Self-learning the skills needed for just-in-time problem solving is called “amazing”.
- 99.9% of the time, we learn best when we’re not talking
- No credit will be given for just showing up; amazing things happen when you do show up.
- Consistently being late for – or missing – meetings is not cool; your reputation will be affected.
- Coming up with idea after idea is great… turning your ideas into usable solutions is gold.
- To quickly earn the respect of your team, mentor as you are being mentored.
- Failure is only good if you – and we – learn from the experience
- When a problem needs fixed or a customer needs assistance… never, ever wait to be asked.
- The quickest way to make your way to the top is a willingness to work with us at the bottom
- Without goal setting, planning and measurement… you can’t produce something scalable and repeatable
- Don’t ever wait for permission to lead.
- The “Golden Rule” still applies.