Why I quit often…

Editors Note: In the July 2016 issue of SCMR, we published profiles of four Millennial managers, including Nicholas Ammaturo, a director of global procurement at Coach, who represent the type of leaders entering the profession. The following column by Nick was published on LinkedIn.

MILLENNIAL, “ShMILLENIAL”
All this talk about millennial's, blah blah blah. Yes, we exist and yes, you need to adjust your management styles to cater to us. That's the conventional wisdom. But do you? I don't know, you tell me. I am not sure if you should need to change your management style to “cater” to us…you are either a good manager or you are not.

I can't read another article on how Millennials are taking over 75% of the workforce….it's not the workforce that is changing, it's the workplace. Your approach shouldn't be geared towards who's working for you….but rather by the type of environment you're trying to create.

MOTIVATION
What motivates you at work? Ask yourself: Why are you working at your current company? The responses are endless, but you should know why you choose to work wherever it is you're working because, remember, this is a “choice.” The reason why I work somewhere changes often. At one time, brand was important to me; at other times I've been motivated by the title, compensation, location, progression or the financial stability of company. Frankly, this could go on and on, but the reason does change often. Things change all the time. Your motivation for working somewhere will change and will often be challenged by those you work with, and you work for. It's how you respond to the challenge that will drive your future. Once your motivation is challenged, you need to really evaluate your approach – Will things change, or do you need to change them?

TRAJECTORY
I like this word. That is all.

MOTIVATION…it's all that matters.
Ok, let's go back to Motivation, because it's really all you need in this “Job Game.” This word is all you need to know….regardless of the generations in the workplace. Once you can figure out what motivates people, you can build something. Say it again. Motivation. I know…it's a big word. Lots of syllables.

All I do is try to motivate people, and understanding what motivates them is a good place to start. Conversations lend us to gather some key insights. Whether it's talking to a manager, an employee, a customer or a supplier – I want to know what do they want out of this? Talk, and be honest. Once you know what they want, you can now structure your approach…what will you give up to get them what they need? Once you get them what they need, they will be more primed to be persuaded. It needs to be mutual.

WHY I QUIT?
So, why am I on my fourth job in four years? My motivation was challenged. That is it. No other reason.

FREE AGENT – “RESUME HELL”
”Now that you change jobs often, your resume looks like the sponsor page @ a fundraiser.” I get this often from prospective employers and colleagues. It's the elephant in the room…and I get it. It looks bad. They want to know: Why can't you just keep a job? Stop jumping ship! My response is complicated. I don't want to keep quitting. I don't enjoy changing health plans every year, remembering more system login's and passwords or proving myself over and over again – It's not easy, trust me. It's exhausting – but I need to be motivated and do what's best for me. Similarly, you need to drive your career and once you surround yourself by motivated people, things will happen – for everyone.

TWO-WEEKS NOTICE
I will continue to give these, just as you should. Don't get stuck somewhere. If you are not motivated, don't settle. If things are not mutual in what you do, don't wait. Can you imagine a place where everyone is getting something out of the relationship? If not, you know what to do when one side isn't motivated….
Bye

Nicholas Ammaturo is a director of global procurement at Coach.

SC
MR