Bridges Over Ladders:
Secure growth and fortify profit with millennial employees, customers and members
Author: Kent J. Wessinger, PhD.
Publisher: create2elevate, Columbia, S.C., 2019
I have struggled to understand why one of my children (a Millennial) and a number of my grandchildren view the world, politics, religion, and work, the way they do. Two of my children (both Generation X’ers) have management jobs that require them to work with and depend on Millennials, and I have often listened to their struggles related to that.
Thus, I had good reasons to read this book. I needed help in understanding my children and in helping them too. Kent Wessinger did not disappoint at all. This book got me very excited about what could be done in the home, in the workplace, in the world when it comes to Baby Boomers and Generation X’ers co-existing ‘profitably’, both economically and socially, with Millennials.
The book is laid out so clearly, like a good lecture only on paper, that you cannot miss the key points of what is being conveyed. The author believes in data and he has it in spades.
First, he convinces us why we cannot ignore Millennials as they “mature and assimilate into leadership positions in all sectors for the next 20 years”. He challenges us to think about what data we’re using to form our opinions, reactions, and dealings with Millennials. His data is based on direct input from over 22,000 Millennials and over 6,000 Non-Millennials. Although many try, not even the staunchest cynic, in the end, can deny data so powerful.
Next he establishes (with data) the incredible difference between how Baby Boomers and Generation X’ers see Millennials and how they see themselves. The resulting conflict is obvious, and the author shows us how it gets in the way of both growth and profit. He helps us understand what attributes associated with earlier generations that Millennials are “valuing” and those they are “rejecting”. Understanding the latter is critical to sustainable growth at least in the next two decades. His analysis of this ‘rejection’ is so on the money that I just had to underline almost every line of this part of the text.
Wessinger shows what Millennials pursue and how and how they differ from earlier generations. More importantly he shows us how to live and work with them and that doing so makes us all winners. His data on how long Millennials stay in one job and why they leave and what can be done about it is alone worth the price of the book. Yes, many of us have been doing it all wrong and the author has the proof. While we pursue our bucket lists, we fail to realize that Millennials “define growth through empty buckets”.
There’s also some comfort as the author tells us why we are not to fear Millennials – they are not after our jobs. Using most interesting and real-life stories and examples, Wessinger explains how opportunities are missed, how programs fail, and stupidity often reigns in our attempts to solve problems. Then he goes on to show us what can be different. As you read the book, its title, Bridges Over Ladders, begins to make great sense. The book is also filled with much wise management advice and key thoughts. One example is the need for us to realize that, “change [for change’s sake] is not [necessarily] growth and rarely makes a difference”.
While Wessinger is clearly interested in helping us to see Millennials differently – a most honorable objective – he also is practical enough to spend some time dealing with the short-comings of Millennials and what we can do about those. One such key area is Millennials and Customer Service. His advice there is invaluable. Another area is their inability to deal with task failure. He helps us with that as well.
Throughout the book, the author speaks of “voice” and its importance.
I honestly cannot recommend this book enough to business leaders especially. This is a must read for all your management staff. But it is also a great resource for parents of Millennials and even the Generation Z’ers that came after them. Finally, I would point out that throughout the book, the author speaks of “voice” and its importance. I believe it is critical to achieving our mutual goals with Millennials and those even younger. At least I found that to be the case as I discussed the book at the dinner table last night with my eldest grand-daughter and her university dorm-mate. The reward was an unsolicited kiss and hearing her say, “I love you.”
Get one copy for yourself, you won’t regret it. Get several for those that make your business decisions.
It would be great if you would share your thoughts or questions on this blog in the comments section below or on social media.
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