What's Old Is New Again

Anyone who works with members of the Millennial generation (born between 1980 and 2001) know that these young people are 100% comfortable with technology. They have been attached to their laptops and cell phones from very early ages. In fact, as I’ve told many clients, virtually every member of this generation carries a cell or smart phone AND not one of them uses the darn thing to make calls. Instead, nearly non-stop, they text away.

Employers tell me they are witnessing the inevitable unintended consequences of this new reality. When placed in an interview environment or in a situation in which a Millennial new employee is expected to participate in social conversations with senior employees or clients, the Millennial employees are completely stymied as to how to behave. In so many cases, Millennials are uncomfortable with the normal give-and-take involved of social dialog. Having grown up texting, members of this generation are prepared to deliver short sound bites instead of engaging in clever repartee.

In response, some elementary schools have resurrected the game of bridge (“For Students Raised on iPods, Lessons in Bridge,” NYT, Winnie Hu, 04/24/11). Yes, bridge!!! The game that brought post-World War II and pre-TV American neighbors together to bid and trump their way through evening matches is being introduced to a generation that often is separated from others by a tiny pair of ear buds. Schools report that bridge offers the mental benefit of chess with a social component.

Should employers consider encouraging bridge tournaments at work? Especially during the warm summer months, lots of businesses sponsor company softball teams, providing their interns, summer associates and new hires with a physical activity that includes a social compoenent. Bridge teams could meet year round, and they would do so knowing that some impressive business leaders, Warren Buffet and Bill Gates included, happily shuffle decks of cards regularly.

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Because so many summer associate and internship programs have been significantly curtailed, the students who will participate in these shortened programs must avoid unforced errors. Like never before, summer hires will have very few opportunities to demonstrate their capabilities. How they handle one or two assignments will create critically important impressions.

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