You’ve seen it. The aerial camera pans the thousands of hopeful Millennials lined up in Anywhere, USA waiting for their chance to prove they are the next American Idol. Notice the name, American “IDOL”. Not just talent, singer, musician they are there to compete to be an “Idol” adored by all and instantly successful.

The name of the program reveals the first insight, Millennials have very high expectations (often not very realistic) of their talents and how their careers are going to launch. How did they get this way? There are a few factors, but a major element is a dearth of straight talk, bottom-line feedback from parents and pals. This sense of grandeur is fairly common among Milennials. They were raised to be the center of attention at all times. To some Milennials, everything they do it EPIC and to be considered an Idol is perfectly logical.

All you have to do is watch some of the truly awful auditions where the individual is crushed by the judges comments. Growing up with Baby Boomer parents that were the first generation of pop psychology, many Millennials have had a tremendous amount of positive reinforcement. While this method of parenting has it’s benefits, such as a child with no shortage of self-confidence, it has it’s drawbacks too. Some Milennials have never heard the tried and true phrase  “Don’t quit your day job.” And you’ve seen the auditions, some of them NEED to hear that.

As they walk into your office, you are their American Idol judge and you might find yourself on the other end of a surprised (even upset) reaction when you deliver some tough news. Keeping this in mind will help you navigate those  tough conversations with Millennials.