Are you authentic?

Millennials voted, and Red Lobster lost.

In May, Darden Restaurants (which also owns Olive Garden) announced plans to sell the seafood chain for $2.1 billion to Golden Gate Capital, an investment firm.

Bruce Horovitz of USA TODAY believes the restaurant has struggled of late because Millennials don’t like “casual dining” and have deemed uncool places like Red Lobster, Applebee’s and T.G.I. Friday’s.

Business owners beware: if you give off a “lame” vibe or make our generation feel put-upon, we’ll run you out of town.

No further proof needed: New Ad Urges Hipsters to go to Applebee’s Ironically (The Onion video)

Yes, Gen Y has become the arbiter of authenticity. But if we demand “realness” from a place that serves shrimp scampi and crabcakes, shouldn’t we also seek it in ourselves?

Below are 11 authentic traits I’ve observed among “uncommon” people in our generation. Each one demonstrates maturity and wisdom.

Do they describe you?

1. Authentic Millennials are genuinely interested in what you have to say

They don’t look for the first opportunity to interject and dominate the conversation. They are inquisitive, enjoy being listeners and could care less if they blab about themselves.

2. They freely give praise 

The best among us know the incredible impact of a single compliment. They know how much people appreciate recognition and don’t need or expect anything in return.

3. They are transparent 

They aren’t fake, openly admit mistakes and prefer to be up front rather than make you wonder, “Wait, is this person hiding something?”

4. They are professional but never over-polished

Millennials know the stark difference between dressing like an adult and a giant tool. The authentic ones give off a sense of “I’m ready to play ball” and not “I’m a little too slick for my own good.”

5. They are 100% originals 

The truest Gen Yers don’t conform; they carve their own path. Why? Because, any day of the week, they would much rather follow a true passion than the herd.

Want proof? Watch 27-year-old Will Anderson and his profound skateboard business.

6. They walk the walk

Mature young professionals aren’t full of hot air. In fact, they let their actions do all the talking. If you have the proof, then what’s left to say? [TWEET THIS]

7. They never flaunt success

Authentic Millennials might have had the greatest day of their career, but you wouldn’t know it. They do what they do, rarely broadcast big news and, if you ever find out, it won’t be from them.

8. They mean what they say 

They understand the supreme value of a reputation and how even one mistake can tarnish it. Someone you can count on implicitly? Now that’s real.

9. They accept what they don’t know

The top Gen Yers recognize how much they have left to learn. They seek people they respect, ask how to improve (like this) and, in authentic fashion, sit quietly, listen and absorb.

10. They make other people better

They lead by example and refuse to sacrifice their core values no matter how difficult (or confusing) the journey becomes.

11. They never, ever fit the mold

Genuine Millennials beat to their own drum, and the absolute best of us do so to make the world a better place. When individual passion aligns with broader purpose…well, it doesn’t get much more authentic than that.

What makes a person authentic? What do YOU think?

Share below!

 Featured: itupictures (Flickr)