Millennials already have a rough reputation when it comes to the workplace. The world seems to view you us as a group of “self-entitled” individuals only concerned about personal success and happiness. I think this stereotype overlooks what the millennial generation has to offer in the workplace.

1. Prove yourself to Baby Boomers.
I’m a baby boomer born on the cusp (1964) but still a baby boomer. I’ve
owned my own business since the age of 14. For someone 51 years old
I have a great deal of business experience. Part of my success comes
from always being willing to learn. I’ve learned from millennials and know
I will continue. You have great promise and will likely be the catalyst for
change. We are not necessarily on equal footing however.
I think your generation will be the catalyst for great social change. Yet
you have a great deal to learn and a great deal to prove! Fortunately you
have time to demonstrate this. My advice is to take a step back and
learn about baby boomers. Examine what they have accomplished and
realize they were once just like you.
Here are some points about me and if you have a boomer owner or
boss, some valuable advice you can use.
I tend to be optimistic, loyal, and driven. I value hard work and face-to-
face communication. You’ll discover (and maybe you have already)
there’s a different dynamic when working for a person from my
generation. While it may be tempting to feel your baby boomer boss is
“behind the times” or a little “old school,” you need to look at your
relationship with him or her from a different perspective.
Millennials already have a rough reputation when it comes to the
workplace. The world seems to view you us as a group of “self-entitled”
individuals only concerned about personal success and happiness. I
think this stereotype overlooks what the millennial generation has to
offer in the workplace.

2. By 2025, millennials will make up 75 percent of the workforce. However,
until your baby boomer boss retires, you’re going to have to meet their
expectations in the workplace. If you want to break the millennial
stereotype and truly prove yourself to your boss, here are some things to
consider:
Your work ethic will blow them away or scare them away. You
choose.
Baby boomers are known for their “workaholic” work ethic and “work to
live” attitude. If you’re working for a baby boomer, chances are they
expect you to be a hard worker who is dedicated to your position. Baby
boomers believe that if you work hard for what you want, chances are
you’re going to be able to accomplish that goal. By displaying a similar
attitude, you’ll win over the respect of your boss.
Understand and value REAL communication.
While some baby boomers may have caught on to today’s
communication technologies, many of them still refer to traditional ways
of communication. Your baby boomer boss values asking questions and
seeking input when it comes to making a decision.
Instead of sending over numerous emails when you have a question or
idea, make it an effort to approach your boss in person. When you take
the time to stop by your boss’ office to chat, this can build a better
relationship than strictly communicating via email each day. Your baby
boomer boss wants to be available to you and your coworkers, so you
should take this as an opportunity to build a stronger connection with him
or her at work.

3. Show your boss how technology is useful, but never assume they
need too. (Many Boomers are more advanced than millennials)
We’re living in an era where technology becomes faster and more
efficient approximately every 18 months. For example, email has been
around for nearly 50 years and has evolved rapidly since its introduction
in the sixties. Today, we are constantly introduced to new technologies
that help us become more productive and efficient at work—and
millennials are the ones who are best adapting to these applications,
devices, and platforms.
Whether this comes as a surprise to you or not, 80 percent of millennials
believe their boss could learn something from them. Because of your
experience with new technology, you need to position yourself as a
digital resource to your boss. While some baby boomers have caught on
to email, social media, and texting, some have not. Show your boss how
technology is more than just a distraction and can make work a better
place. This way, you will be able to teach them what you already know
while gaining more respect by serving as a resource for their
technological needs.
Show your dedication to your job. (You need to make sacrifices)
Baby boomers are recognized as a generation who embraced making
sacrifices to get ahead in life. They invented the 60-hour work week and
were willing to go above and beyond to bring results, accomplish goals,
and earn an income that could support their families. If you want to truly
prove yourself to your baby boomer boss, you need to show them your
loyalty to your job. Whether it means working overtime or taking on an
extra project, show your boss your commitment to driving results for the

4. company. Now, this doesn’t mean over-extending your abilities; it just
means you should take the time to put in a little extra effort at work.
As a millennial, you’re going to be faced with the challenge of working
with different generations of management. Until you work your way to
the top of your career, you’re going to have to prove to your managers
and coworkers that you have not only passion for what you do, but the
drive to succeed as well.
Tell me how you have proven yourself to your baby boomer boss?
Bosses, what’s your take on the matter?