Millennials are NOT Your Leadership Challenge | Erik Therwanger | TEDxBrookings

With 87% disengagement in the workplace, leaders mistakenly point to the Millennial generation a large part of the problem. In this inspirational and energetic talk, discover the power of the Engagament Ring, which brings balance to your culture while elevating the engagement levels of your next generation of leaders. Erik is the founder of Think GREAT and draws from his experiences as a U.S. Marine, executive business leader and entrepreneur to help organizations achieve new levels of success. He uniquely combines leadership development, strategic planning, sales training, and goal-setting into strategies and techniques that empower team members and leaders to exceed expectations. Erik’s interactive and entertaining style engages audiences as he empowers them to open new possibilities in their personal and professional lives.

[jeanwilson]

It is so refreshing to hear a different take on Millennials.  Personally I find working with them through the buying of homes is inspiring - they tend to be minimalists who peel back the layers of the onion to get to the heart of the matter.  Love to hear the spin on leading them in an effort to make this world a better place!

[nancypeterson]

I 100% agree with Erik, Millennials are not the challenge in our organizations, lack of leadership and developing our teams is. Thank you Erik for clearly communicating a solution that can work not only for our youngest team members, but it can work for all.

[elizabethbrannen]

We met briefly in the St. Louis airport, what an amazing speaker with an incredible story. Great thought provoking content on where the true issues reside in corporate America. Great TEDxTalk Erik, you have a gift with delivering thoughts concisely and clearly.

[LaelaErickson]

I am so blessed to work with this inspiring leader! He practices what he preaches; developing his people, believing in us, encouraging and challenging us. The world needs leadership now more than ever and Erik is a voice of clarity. Erik is a leader worth following. I have evolved and continue to grow every day through his mentorship. Thank you for sharing your inspiring message and being the beacon of light!

[etherwanger]

It was an honor to share the stage with so many talented speakers, to meet so many dynamic people, and to have the opportunity to deliver a message that means so much to so many!

[godswarhorses]

Erik Therwanger is a definite thought-leader for organizational leadership, but I also admire his service to our country in the military and how he applies principles into real life. Very inspiring and evocative.

[DonRaleighIII]

Thank you, Erik, for being one of the few people that doesn't call me lazy and entitled at every opportunity. It's interesting how some leaders think that the best (and appropriate) strategy for having a productive workforce is to constantly degrade and insult their employees. I apprechiated your comment on the difference between employees and team members.

[peteygr]

Erik, thank you for clarifying where the real issue lies. Your leadership training has helped me immensely in my professional life as well as my personal life. My daughter stood on the footprints for the first time just a couple weeks ago, and in a very short period of time we are witnessing transformation to a young leader. Thank you for your service and your leadership. PJG.

[amyrudser]

It's always inspiring to listen to Erik dynamically deliver his thoughts and perspectives on what we perceive as challenges that we all face as business leaders, but then also give you a different perspective to enhance your perceptions so you can elevate your company to new levels. Great job once again Erik!!

[laurabrandt]

Thank you Erik for having us look at ourselves and our thinking on how to build future leaders from Millennials (and soon Gen Z). I think both generations are awesome. They see things differently and have no problem sharing their thoughts which often challenge our (Baby Boomer, Gen X) way of thinking. As you said, find common ground (business’s end result or organization’s mission) and build a foundation from there. It is when we challenge ourselves that we grow.

[shawnmingus]

After watching Erik Therwanger’s TED Talk and reflecting on his powerful and timely message, it occurred to me that 32% of my team are millennials and they are our most loyal, productive and ambitious contributors. Let’s end this negative slant towards the next great generation and work together to both train and develop them into our future leaders. I agree with Erik and thank him for his insightful message. Please share and make a difference. I'm all in!

[carolosnes]

Thank you for giving us the tools to help develop our team to be GREAT leaders! You are such an inspiration. Thanks for sharing your wisdom. We are looking forward to achieving a culture of balance and developing our Who!

[sandycrosby]

Erik is spot on with his thoughts on millennials wanting to make an impact in their communities and in business. Millennials want to operate in a balanced environment. I love the "engagement ring" analogy!

[jesstiffany]

Amazing talk! Erik is a leader among leaders.

[manelson]

Superb delivery. Very engaging presenter. S/F