Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/621102
STARRINKS.COM JANUARY.FEBRUARY.2016 / 37 pretending that Millennials will be part of your team for a decade or more, look for ways to make the most of the time you have together while they are. Step 2: Spell out everything. Again, assume nothing. Take workplace dress, for example. There was a time not too long ago when women wore pantyhose to work and wouldn't consider crossing the office threshold in open-toed shoes. That was then. These days, if you offer no guidance, some will cross the threshold in footwear you wouldn't wear outside your house. And when the parade of fashion crimes starts, you will have no one to blame but yourself. You need to tell people that contrary to what they may see online or in a magazine, the flip- flop is not the new Ferragamo. Once you've thought about the basics, you'll need to anticipate the times "on the job" when the new hire will interact with people outside your organization. Is the new hire attending a client function with you? If so, it makes sense to review your expectations before you head out the door. Whereas most people might do fine on their own, that's not the point. If you expect a certain set of behaviors, you need to make clear what they are. Step 3: Use praise, and do it often. Most people like praise. As mentioned earlier, the difference between Millennials and other generations is they are used to getting it. To get the most out of your new hires, you must learn how to give feedback more often. A word of caution: Millennials know when they are being patronized just as well as the next person, so choose your words wisely. You are going to have to pay attention and recognize good work. It's more time consuming, but if you put in the effort, you will probably see more of what you want to see. Do not rely solely on feedback on the fly. The reality is it's easy to get busy. Make the time to have structured conversations with your new hires about their development. Thinking about skipping this step? Don't. Regularly scheduled one-on-one meetings will ultimately benefit the new hire, the organization, and you. Final Thought Developing any employee takes time, and working with new hires has its own set of challenges. There are few shortcuts along the road to success in the workplace. How much effort you put in to another person is certainly up to you. But think back to your first days in the world of work. If some- one spent the time to work with you early in your career, you were lucky. If you didn't have that opportunity, don't you wish you had? J Kate Zabriskie is the president of Business Training Works, Inc., a Maryland- based talent development firm. She and her team help businesses establish customer service strategies and train their people to live up to what's promised.