Leadership Dialogue Network: Young Talent Development

20 July 2015

"This world demands the qualities of youth: not a time of life but a state of mind, a temper of the will, a quality of imagination, a predominance of courage over timidity, of the appetite for adventure over the love of ease."

Robert Kennedy

The different generations at a glance

Silent Generation Baby Boomer Generation Generation XMillennial Generation

1925 - 1945 1946 - 1964 1965 - 1981 1982 - 2002

Characteristics:

• Overly cautious

• Less likely to take risks

• Hierarchical

• Traditional

• Loyal and patriotic

• Rule makers/followers

Characteristics:

• Economically optimistic

• Idealistic

• Individualistic

• Prefer achievement over relations

• Resourceful

Characteristics:

• In need of attention but not used to supervision

• Prefer non-routines

• Anti-institution

• Competitive

• Constant burnout

Characteristics:

• Technology reliant

• Multi-taskers

• Open to change

• Confident

• Team-oriented

• Impatient

• Adaptable

Rapid and constant evolution of the technology landscape defines the Millennial generation

4

The Global Millennial• Open…Connected…Confident

5

The South African Millennial• Driven…Proud…Diverse

6

We are influenced by our peers

We have unlimited access to information

Everything and everyone is connected

7

We value experiences

We want to better ourselves

Nothing is outside my reach

8

We are socially conscious

We care about the environment

We want to contribute to the economy

37%

33% 32%

28%

23% 22% 21% 21% 21% 20% 20%19% 18% 18% 17% 16% 15%

13%

6% 6%

Top challenges facing society in the next 5-10 years

Economic Environmental

Social

Crime / health / education Political instability / conflict / terrorism Privacy / cyber-security

9

We do our homework

We prefer to go cashless

We spend conservatively

10

Its all about work-life integration

We are time conscious

We want flexibility

11

We are loyal to each other

We are loyal to brands that reflect our values and lifestyles

We are on the lookout for value

12

We are entrepreneurs

We want to follow our passions

Anything is possible

Problems with:• Ability to find information;• Ability to select appropriate information

and solve problems;• A lack of understanding of economic

and business realities; and• A lack of openness and flexibility.

Our South African Challenges

Higher education SA study

Graduate Attribute Study 2009

South African graduates do not have the competence in spoken and written English or the oral presentation skills required by employers, according to the findings of a pilot study conducted by Higher Education South Africa (Hesa), the university sector’s leadership organisation and the South African Qualifications Authority.