An Open Letter to CEOs and Management from a Millennial!

Dear Business CEO, VP, HR, (whoever else deems themselves mid and upper level management!),


Hello from the Millennial generation. Hope this letter finds you doing well. For some of us we are very excited to be entering the workplace and look forward to learning a lot from you.

With that out of the way her are a few things some of us 20-somethings have been talking about lately.

About three weeks ago I met Maggie Richardson at a Baton Rouge Social Media Club meeting. She politely came up to me and introduced herself saying "I'm here to meet you." We briefly discussed her upcoming article about examining the the generational gaps in the workplace. I was very excited to see Baton Rouge Business Report take on such a timely topic.

In the article, out on newsstands today, I mentioned “Our generation is the one where no one really gave us the box to fit in; they just said build the box in a different way." Think about. Millennials were not given a typewriter and told "learn to type 60 words a minute!" Instead, we were given a computer and told to develop creative presentations and flashy images. The one factor I find that separates Millennials from any other is the influence and stressed importance of the arts and creativity in our education. From music to art and a world wide web, we learned that fitting into a box would not meet our serious attention deficit needs. Thinking back on it, I begin to feel claustrophobic at the mere thought of my self expression, creativity and wit being constrained by an authoritative figure.

I shared with Ms. Richardson a situation that many newcomers to the workplace experience early on. "This is the way we've always done it, so we'll keep doing it this way." This attitude that is carried in many workplaces, in my opinion, is a sign that change and the thought of a better and newer way of accomplishing a goal is scary. I've found that this attitude can prevent an organization from staying relevant in today's society and stifles their own growth.

With every generation comes its high points and low points. My uneducated sociology opinion would suggest that every generation, even you, once held a sense of optimism and youthfulness. We were all young once! The difference, at least at this point, is Millennials have not conceded to the box that some have put before us. Instead we attempt to find new ways to shape the box or work around it. No only means "find another way."

While I truly believe other generations have built their philosophies based on their experiences, I contend that their experiences do not have to shape the future and philosophies of the Millennial generation. I believe Millennial have the passion, drive and motivation to press forward and reshape the workplace as we know it today.

Tomorrow's consumer is today's Millennial. The fact that we grew up with a computer in our bedroom and Google giving us instant results should serve as a hint into how we will work, live and play. To some it up, we multi task without great ease.

My biggest advice to any CEO or mid-level manager working with Millennials in the workplace today, "take us seriously. We have the knowledge that your organization needs to succeed. We are not here to replace you. Most of us honestly have great ideas and opinions that may not have thought of and will take you very far. Just because it has not been done before does not mean it can not be done."

Sincerely,

A Millennial.

Learn more about the generation gap in the workplace in Richardson's cover story in the June 29th issue of Baton Rouge Business Report "Here Come Millennials!"

@wbreaux
@brsocme
Friend me on Facebook
Check out my website

What are some of your experiences working with Millennials? Or as a Millennial, how do you feel about the workplace today?

Why #BRSocMe? Why Now?

If there's one thing I've learned in life, it's that LOYALTY is priceless and withstanding!

My Past?
The last 22 years (yes, that's how old I am, I think) of my life have been spent living, breathing and believing in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I attended East Baton Rouge Parish Schools for elementary, middle and high school. I then went on to bleed purple and gold at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.

Throughout this time when others were negative and slammed the BR (a/k/a Big Raggedy... and more) I attempted to uplift a city with soo much potential. Think about! Baton Rouge gave us Raising Canes (ohhh, i love the sauce), we're the International home of tailgating (thanks to SU and LSU) and when tragedy strikes this city comes together.

Now more than ever is the perfect opportunity for Baton Rouge residents to stand up and GO BR or be #BatonRougeProud! I look around me and remember a city that didn't have a downtown anything. In my hayday Citiplace and College Drive were consider downtown. I see the diversity, development and determination in the eyes of our leadership and say "WOW, we are headed in the right direction." I am so proud to be a resident (and now taxpayer) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

@VisitBatonRouge

When I interviewed at VisitBatonRouge.com, I told my soon-to-be boss "Baton Rouge has given me alot. A free education, a safe place to grow up and the confidence that I can do anything. So working here @VisitBatonRouge would be easy. Instead of selling the city, I'm able to share my personal story and success in Baton Rouge!" I've carried that attitude to work with me everyday. My friends and family are probably sick of hearing me say "I'm able to make a difference and impact people's perception of Baton Rouge, and I didn't have to get elected to public office to do it!"

#BRSocMe evolved from a meeting I hosted at VisitBatonRouge with the goal of bringing bloggers from around the Baton Rouge area to meet and network with each other. The goal was to increase the discussion of the city I love in the "blogosphere" and in #SocialMedia!

Why Me?

Instead of waiting for someone else to take the time to build the organization, I did it at my desk one morning and ran with it. It was important to me that social media users and professionals in Baton Rouge have the opportunity to meet, network and continue their development and education into the ever-changing world of social media. I wouldn't accept no for an answer. I may not have the most Twitter followers and my blog may be a newborn (*note: I've been on Facebook since 2005!), but I have the passion and heart (and time) to make #BRSocMe happen.

Where #BRSocMe is Headed?

Today, #BRSocMe is comprised of 140 members and growing. I am honored to serve this organization with five Board Members who share my enthusiasm and passion for BatonRouge Stephanie Sander (@stephsandy), Jay Ducote (@biteandbooze), James Fox-Smith (@countryroadsmag), Shannon Lane (@Cajun_Mama) and Lisa Stansberry (@louisianafoodie). We are determined to see Baton Rouge truly establish itself as the "Creative Capital of the South."

Our first full club meeting is April 29, 2010 at the Louisiana State Museum. Lunch is being provided FREE of charge by JimmyJohn's. Not only will we bring Baton Rouge social media users together, but we will have the opportunity to tour one of the unique treasurers in downtown Baton Rouge.

On September 29, 2010 Social Media Users from around the Gulf South will descend upon Baton Rouge for shared learning, networking and excitement as we host "#CoastalSocial 2010!" For more information visit http://www.coastalsocial.com/. We are updating the website daily with new speakers and conference information.

So... now if you wanted to know why... you know! Will you join us?

Louisiana Politics: Bill to Ban Cyberbullying

The Huffington Post ran an article today overviewing a bill moving through the Louisiana House of Reps that would make it a crime to harass someone via Facebook (whitneybreaux) or text message. While http://www.twitter.com/wbreaux grew up in a time where cell phones were cool if you had a flip phone and snake was the game everyone was trying to win, these days the harassment endured by teens is scary. I remember being in and out of the cool crowd and even what it felt like to bully and harass someone else. Some people pass it off as a phase, and maybe in 2004 it was just a phase. But these days the harassment extends beyond the boundaries of in your face or at school tormenting. Imagine it going on 24/7.

I applaud the Louisiana Legislature for taking a step on this issue that has attracted much national recognition lately.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/20/cyberbullying-bill-advanc_n_544937.html

Louisiana Political Update

The Louisiana House of Representatives has launched a new website dedicated to keeping their membership and public informed about what's going on in the legislative session. This is yet another success of the Tucker Speakership. Tucker has remained committed to exploring new ways of providing information to Louisiana citizens. His weekly updates are useful and informative.

I'm slightly curious who in the House of Reps has been successful in changing the mindset about using social media and other forums to connect with citizens.

Smart move!

http://www.house.louisiana.gov/pio/openhouse/