Millenials...: How soon until I get to retire?

I've been reading a lot lately about managing the "Millenials" in the work force. Generally speaking Millenials are defined as those born between 1980 and 2000. Here's an interesting set of articles for old baby boomer managers (i.e. me and all my peers) that discusses some of the changes we're going to have to make to adjust to them. The very hypothesis is troublesome at many levels.

I think a big chunk of the generational gap can be summed up in this quote from the articles, "Millennials are accustomed to having things explained to them in great detail. They’ve always been told, “If you don’t know, ask.” We’ve created an entire generation of kids who’ve always been told exactly what to do and how to do it." I see this regularly.

I'd argue that we've given this generation an irrational fear of failure. They can't or won't think through an issue, make a best guess on the information available and then take a risk that their solution might not be optimal. Why think when you can ask and be told?

Now, some of the change they will likely bring to the work force will likely be good for me (e.g. telecommuting). If my employees expect flexibility then I guess I should be able to take advantage of it as well. They likely are better at working in teams than anybody in my generation and are better collaborators. The question is are they more productive in their teams or are they simply unable to work alone? Some of what I've seen keeps that question relevant. Do I have to hire two millenials to get the work of 1.5 or 1 boomer?

Now don't get me wrong, I don't think the world is going to end because of this generation. It will go on in some fashion or another, just not the one I'm used to no doubt. And there will be members of this generation that are totally ego driven and competitive so we'll have a fine collection of lawyers and politicians. The question is, am I ready to be a father figure to my employees? The answer today is "No thanks, I have a family, now get your ass back to work."