Note from Art: Today’s guest author, Eric Rodriguez, is a former student of mine and someone passionate about management, leadership and developing as a professional in his career. Eric recently approached me about writing some guest posts here at Management Excellence to build his on-line brand (a great idea on his part), and we sat down to discuss ideas.  After talking over potential topics,  we both zeroed in on a Millennials in the Workplace theme…but with a twist versus a lot of the other content found on this issue.

Our twist is to change the perspective, and instead of an endless stream of “experienced” authors writing about what it’s like to deal with the merging of the generations in the workforce, Eric will offer his perspective on navigating early career steps from the eyes of a twenty-something.

Neither of us are certain exactly where this will go, but Eric has mostly free reign on his posts here (yes, the “mostly” part is the 40-something in me talking), and I’m encouraging him to not only share his perspectives on life and career, but to draw in the insights and writings of others in this age group. The goal is for all of us with experience behind us and a bit of gray in our hair to better tune in to the voice of this fascinating and inevitable generation we’ve been so busy writing and talking about.

Enjoy this first of what I hope will be many fun and insightful posts!

Hi my name is Eric Rodriguez and I’m a Millennial.

Roughly a Milennial is someone who was born after 1981, grew up in the booming 90s, operates a smart phone, has a Facebook page, and has been surfing the net since grade school. We are early adopters, expressive individuals, and we have the potential to be great employees and leaders.

There are numerous articles, news panel discussions, and YouTube videos on Millennials. These pieces are amusing, informative, and sometimes they add a sense of urgency and bewilderment to the topic being discussed. However, there is a key insight missing from some of this material because most of it is being made by people who are not part of the group they are trying to identify with and understand.

There is no doubt that there are numerous benefits from the valuable insights offered by generations outside of the Millenials. But, I think in order to better understand the Millennials it’s best to connect with a one, and I want to be one of your connections.

My new blog series, The Millennial View, will cover a range of topics that my generation is experiencing and many of the posts will be based on my own experiences and the experiences of other Millennials.

Like many of my peers I am just beginning to make my mark on my career: I have been employed for three years, never held a management position, and I am trying to move up the career ladder in one of the worst recessions in U.S. history.

My situation isn’t much different than anyone else, but because of my youth my take on career issues will be vastly different from some of yours. And I’m hoping this stirs up some conversation  that each generation can relate to.

I can’t think of a better place to have this discussion than on the Management Excellence blog. Art’s blog is diverse and his readers are comprised of a vast span of generations and professionals that enjoy sharing their perspectives. I’m hoping that my series will get the same response, and I’m willing to answer any questions you may have on the Millennials or add to your comments. I’m here to help and I want to relate to you, and it would be great if you could relate with me.

The Millenials have new ideas, youthful enthusiasm and an idealism that is present in every generation entering the workforce, but we need the guidance and experience of the other generations to succeed.

The other generations also need us.

The business world is shrinking and evolving into something different, we can help you market to this new world and understand it. We are the pulse of the future and one day we will be the leadership in the workforce.

Until, that moment happens let’s bridge the gap and work with each other because our future success depends on it.

You can follow Eric on twitter at: @mvieweric