What NY Giant’s Tom Coughlin Knows About Millennials That Many Managers Don’t

Finding a way to communicate with employees of a different generation has proven to be a challenge for many bosses, including those in the sports arena. That’s why New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin told New York Post reporter Bart Hubbuch that he did a study on millennials “to understand these guys, this generation.”

Coughlin invited Dr. Chris Bogart, clinical psychologist and executive director of The Southfield Center for Development, into the Giant’s facility to give a presentation on understanding millennials. In an interview with Vice Sports, Bogart said he was asked to share information on how to help players retain information more effectively and how to cope with the different generational attitudes towards work and learning. At 68-years-old, Coughlin is a part of the Baby Boomers generation while his players are millennials. Many members of the team’s coaching staff are also Baby Boomers, with some being Generation X’ers.

Providing the team with a presentation of data that compared and contrast the influences and traits of different generations, below are a few key findings that can help employers better manage their millennial employees.

Provide structure: When looking to attract millennial talent, Dr. Bogart’s study suggest companies have fairly regular office hours that offer some flexibility when possible. In addition, company goals should be clearly stated, progress should be measured and expectations for an assignment should be clearly defined. Office meetings should also have a set agenda and minutes should be taken for reference.

Encourage millennials “can-do” attitude: Bogart’s study shows that millennials have the mindset that they can takeover the world and that employers should encourage their ambition rather than try to contain it.

Listen to millennials: Millennials are young adults with fresh innovative ideas and perspectives and Bogart’s study suggests managers not ignore their opinions.

Provide a work/life balance workplace: Millennials are used to mult-tasking and cramming their personal and professional life together. Rather than working in office for the traditional amount of work hours, they like to spend time at home with family and friends and the Giants’ study suggest employers take note of what’s important to them.

Provide a fun, employee-centered workplace: Millennials are all about enjoying their job and having fun in the workplace. They want to make new friends and plan the next company outing, all of which Bogart says employers and employees of other generations should pay attention to.