Do These 4 Traits Make Millennials Better Leaders?

As Baby Boomers continue to retire, Millennial workers are taking over the professional scene across all levels of management. However, despite the popular perceptions that cast Millennials in a somewhat negative light, these younger professionals may be bringing some key traits to the table that make them especially fit for leadership, according to Forbes. Here are four professional traits that may help Millennial workers in leadership positions take their companies to the next level.

1. Authenticity

Transparency and the desire to align work with values characterize many Millennial workers, which puts them in a strong place to lead. This authenticity, which 70 percent of Millennials claim to possess according to Forbes, fosters honest communication and the willingness to display vulnerabilities. When Millennials in management positions do this, they encourage employees to do the same, creating an open and honest work environment.

2. Willingness to Make Changes

Millennial workers in leadership positions aren't afraid to challenge the status quo if that means bringing the company up a notch, either through improving products and services or streamlining practices. Combined with this, many Millennial workers boast the desire to make a difference, a go-getter attitude and a fresh perspective, which aids their ability to implement needed changes. Plus, Millennial managers can encourage their teams to take the same approach, challenging existing practices that may be holding the company back from reaching its potential.

3. Open Communication

From their strong handle on social media to their tendency to value constant feedback, Millennials value communication highly. In fact, Forbes states that more than 80 percent believe open communication is more important than perks such as gym memberships. As leaders, Millennials use their open communication skills to foster a trusting environment among their teams that allows for easy communication both ways. An emphasis on technology also allows these younger leaders to implement multiple new communication channels using cloud technology and tablets to help teams to stay in touch remotely.

4. Purpose Seeking

Millennials are willing to work hard to achieve goals to move the company forward, but the "why" behind every task is just as important as the "how." The new generation of leaders is interested in helping their work teams to understand how they fit into the bigger picture, allowing them to set goals that matter to everyone. One way they do this is to break down goals into individual ones that are thoroughly explained to each worker. Managers can then focus on holding team members accountable for their contribution. The result is a more engaged team of workers who feel a greater sense of purpose in their work.

Millennial workers continue to fill leadership roles and start their own businesses, which is sure to bring changes to the professional world. Fortunately, open communication, a focus on purpose, and other key professional traits make the younger generation more than ready to lead their organizations to success.

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