My boss is super tech-savvy, but she still sometimes has to ask my help with little things (which is totally OK because I like helping her and because I ask her 100 work-related questions every day).
Today after she IMed me to ask how to convert docx files to doc files she swung by my desk and showed me this article from Marie Claire called “Hey, can you help me log on.” The article talks about how tech-savvy Millennials are constantly having to show their bosses how to do tasks on computers, blackberrys and social media sites.
The article calls out a lot of very real predicaments that Millennials at work often face.
This one was my favorite: “As the laughter subsided, I thought about just how unfunny it can be that the people who sign our paychecks and wield the power to tell us we need to be in extra early tomorrow often can’t do remedial tech tasks. That said, I know my generation is on top of the tech heap now, but like everything else, it’s cyclical. There’s already technology I’m uncomfortable with; I can’t imagine what it’ll be like in 15 years when my friends and I are the bosses. After all, the kids who will one day be our assistants were Twittering in the womb.”
The author of this article makes a really great point. And while it can be annoying for Millennials to help their bosses at work, it’s important to remember that:
1. Skill knowledge changes and while we may be the most skilled generation at today’s tools, we may not always be
2. Helping your boss proves your value in the workplace
3. Sharing knowledge at work lets everyone know you are a team player
Basically, I think it’s great that Millennials have so many great opportunities to help educate their bosses at work. But what do you think? Should Millennials at work help their bosses?
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I think yes. Millennials at work should help their bosses.