Crystal Kadakia - The Millennial Myth: Transforming Misunderstanding into Workplace Breakthroughs

Praise for The Millennial Myth

Crystal captures the fundamental disconnect between what people think of Millennials, misguided generalizations based on tired stereotypes that have followed every generation, and who they actually arewhich is the future leaders of our workforce. At Bullhorn weve adopted a Millennial mindset of our own, remaining agile, innovative, and transparent in how we operate and build software, and the impact on productivity and employee happiness has been unprecedented.

Art Papas, CEO, Bullhorn

The behaviors that result from our perceptions are realeven if our perceptions are incorrect. Crystal is clear in her eye-opening and clarifying concepts that lead to mutual understanding. The new generation entering the workforce at an accelerated pace are messengers from the future. Their presence shines a light on the way the world is becoming. To mislabel or ignore them would be detrimental to all the generations in the workforce. Crystal shows how Millennial behavior is modern behavior and will be a guide for many generations to come. You will love this book!

Mick Ukleja, PhD, President, LeadershipTraQ, professor, and coauthor of Managing the Millennials

Crystal Kadakia is the champion for Millennial engagement and so much more. She spells out a compelling and thoughtful framework that goes beyond generations. Without incorporating a growth mindset, an eye for high potentials, and an ability to adapt with technological advanceswhich are all skills we can learn from Millennialsour businesses will become obsolete. This is bigger than generations clashing in the workplaceits the future of business!

Zulna Heriscar, Worldwide Field Partner Sales Lead, Cloud + Enterprise Division, Microsoft Corporation

When popular philosophy falls behind technological and economic advances, social institutions are at risk of failing to provide opportunity for their membersit is called structural lag. Crystal masterfully describes the effect of structural lag on Millennials and how organizations can create opportunity for an emerging workforce to have a positive influence.

Chip Espinoza, PhD, coauthor of Managing the Millennials, Millennials@Work, and Millennials Who Manage

As cofounders of Culture of Good, Inc., which inspires more than three thousand Millennial employees to do meaningful work, we found The Millennial Myth to be spot on. Not only has Crystal helped dispel myths that simply hold little truth about the next generation of leaders, but she has also provided in extensive detail the way forward for those leading them. This book is a must-read for those who expect to have success in leading the next generation of employees.

Scott Moorehead and Ryan McCarty, cofounders of Culture of Good, Inc., and coauthors of Build a Culture of Good

The Millennial MYTH

Transforming Misunderstanding into Workplace Breakthroughs

Crystal Kadakia

Copyright 2017 by Crystal Kadakia

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First Edition

Paperback print edition ISBN 978-1-62656-956-0

PDF e-book ISBN 978-1-62656-957-7

IDPF ebook ISBN 978-1-62656-958-4

2017-1

Interior design and production: Dovetail Publishing Services

Cover designer: The BookDesigners

To the many who have inspired me along the way by embracing the changes in life as though they were a true friend, one who challenges you and helps you rise to greater heights.

Im a female. Im an American-born Asian. Im a chemical engineer by training. I got my first job when I was 13 and graduated with my bachelors when I was 20. I spent seven years working for a Fortune 50 company, beginning as an engineer and then as a training manager. I left to launch my own firm, Invati Consulting. Ive given over 100 talks that have reached over 5,000 people, including two TEDx talks, on a unique intersection: millennial behavior and modern workplace culture. Ive discussed challenges like modernizing to a digital workplace and generational transition with countless executives. Ive developed proprietary consulting and training solutions to enable the shift to organizational designs that support modern workplace culture. Ive been recognized for these achievements, including receiving the Power 30 Under 30, Association for Talent Developments One to Watch, and Chief Learning Officers Learning in Practice awards.

Before I get hurt patting myself too hard on the back, let me share that Im also... dare I say it? A millennial.

Today, I cringe at owning this part of my identity. It feels like the moment I type the word millennial, I have somehow discounted all my other qualities and accomplishments and made them less true. Yet indeed, I am a part of this lazy, entitled, job-hopping generation. The most common retort to my admission is, Oh, but youre Asian, so its different for you. Being Asian automatically brings up preconceived notions of Tiger Moms and driven children. However, my achievements cannot solely be attributed to my Asian upbringing. My achievements are attributed to my whole self, the varied fabric that makes up me.

To explain the seemingly un-millennial-like behavior of the many millennials they know, older generations often find similar excuses. Ive often overheard an older generation individual saying to a millennial, Youre the exception or Im not talking about you, of course. These justifications seek to hide one of the largest inconvenient truths: