Jun 20, 2018
Aaron Levy is a Millennial
Workplace Expert, and shares his observations and insights on
millennial retention and satisfaction in the workplace. Aaron
shares his journey into the science of human behavior,
addresses the common misnomers of millennial stereotypes, and
teaches us how to approach critical conversations across the
generational divide.
Key Takeaways
[2:20] Aaron’s an avid
reader of both fiction and nonfiction, and enjoys the training and
personal rewards involved with participating in
triathlons.
[6:39] At an early age, Aaron
was moved by the power of film’s ability to change our perspective
on life and the world around us.
[7:41] Aaron immersed himself in
the science of human behavioral change. He studied and practiced
what techniques work trigger change and how people can unlock their
potential both in and out of the workplace.
[8:37] As Aaron looked around at
his millennial aged peer group, he saw them jumping from job to
job, even when on paper they “had it good”, and their choices
seemed to defy logic. He noticed a two headed problem: internal
disengagement within the employees, and the workplace’s lack of
fostering satisfaction and stability for their hires.
[9:48] The biggest factor in
driving engagement comes from the top. Leaders and managers must
know how to motivate by listening.
[11:15] For someone to become a
great leader, they must receive training consistently and be given
the chance to repeat and tweak their education. Aaron suggests
moving from a two day intensive training to a quarter day training
four times a year and including more experiential rather than event
based methods. This method fosters accountability, time to create
new neural pathways, and the art of deliberate practice.
[16:27] The tactics of learning
the art of managing and leaders are important for both those doing
it in the company, and consultants on behalf of the managers.
[22:57] What do millenials most
desire in the workplace? Usually it’s a combination of feeling
connected with their team, secure in the impact they are making and
a vision of personal growth and development within their
company.
[23:36] Aaron
busts the myth that millennials are special
snowflakes, that can’t
handle any feedback. Constructive feedback is crucial, and
something millennials crave to help them feel valuable and
connected.
[25:59] Aaron explains why there
was no need to sugarcoat his article “Why Most Managers Suck.”
Managers fall short on listening, which he feels is the most
important leadership habit one must develop, practicing, and
exercise. We think at 3,000 words per minute, and listen at 450,
making it an inherently difficult thing to do. For managers to
change, they must understand that listening and responding from a
connected place is an effective and powerful way to obtain their
desired outcome.
[31:37] To grow and adapt at a
higher level of listening and leadership in general, we must
consciously and consistently be aware of our habitual patterns so
we can adjust them.
[32:52] Aaron measures the
effectiveness of leadership by his team's ability to perform at a
peak level even when he is away.
[34:39] Curiosity and the
ability to open up and admit they don’t have the right answers is a
theme that comes up with Aaron and previous episodes on
vulnerability. When leaders establish ground rules within their
team, it creates a platform for others to experience freedom and
space to act authentically.
[40:00] The first step in living
our live by chance instead of choice is digging deep to get clear
on your “why”, and what you would do if money and expectations did
not exist.
[41:32] Aaron is committed to
finding more of the balance between being and doing. For every 15
minute break in between meetings, there will be more time in
nature, rest or even just doing a headstand.
Quotable Quotes
- Why when we know better, do we not do
better?
- “Engage with intention, not tension.”
- “Authenticity is the first step to vulnerability.”
- “The
biggest factor in driving engagement is the boss.”
- “Listening is the most important leadership
habits we can adopt.”
- “There is an opportunity to be better at
listening. We need to dedicate the time, effort and energy to
develop those skills.”
- “If
we are not building our replacements, we are not truly growing our
people and company as leaders.”
- “A
great leader isn’t always right.”
- “The
leader on who you are, is who you are in your heart.”
- “Most
of us live our life by chance, not by choice.”
Mentioned
Beneath the Scarlet
Sky
Principles: Life and
Work
ClassAct
Leadership BS
Why Most Managers Suck
Twitter: raisebaraaron
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aelevy
Facebook: RaiseTheBarCo
Website: RaiseBar.Co
Bio: Aaron is the Founder & CEO
of Raise The Bar, a firm focused on helping companies retain their
millennial talent. Aaron’s on a mission to transform the manager
role by empowering managers with the tools & skills to be better
leaders of people.