Millennials. Generation Y. 20-somethings.

Young adults today have several nicknames, and in early June we unfortunately picked up one more.

Bad Tippers.

A survey conducted for Michelin Maps and Guides, a restaurant reviewer, found one in three Millennials tip less than 15 percent when dining out. For a useful chart on proper tipping, go to the middle of this page.

To me, the difference between a 10 percent and 20 percent tipper isn’t the money.

It’s our willingness to give.

As the “Bad Tipper” generation, we are programmed to think the only way ahead is self-promotion. I focus on me. You focus on you. Let’s see who wins out. #imthebest

Yet time and again, I see people who live to help others and, in doing so, develop meaningful careers.

Do you want a “lucky” break in the work world? Make giving a central part of who you are, and success will “magically” find its way to your door.

Like this:

– SHARE your knowledge, don’t hoard it

I frequently read a website by Pat Flynn called Smart Passive Income, in which Flynn offers best practices about blogging. The more Pat shares, the bigger his audience.

The bigger his audience, the more he earns. Check out his unbelievable income reports.

Selflessness. Is it in you?

– CONCEDE the spotlight, don’t hog it

Want to be seen as a rising star? Put the limelight on someone else. Congratulate others on a job well done, and share their work. I like how Gen Y expert Lindsey Pollak curates articles from authors she respects.

Let other people shine, and you will cast a long shadow. [TWEET]

– LOSE the ego, don’t revel in it

At a job interview, take a keen interest in the employer’s background and company’s challenges. At a networking event, notice how the sharpest people use these six words to make others feel like a million bucks.

Give someone your complete attention and watch as new doors swing wide open.

– ADMIT your mistake, don’t hide from it

Perfection is overrated. Give away your screw-ups so others don’t do the same. Flynn calls himself “the crash-test dummy of online business” and look where it’s taken him.

To err is human. To reveal your flaws…well, that’s what leaders do.

– OFFER your time, don’t stockpile it

Last summer, a junior at my alma mater wrote and asked if she could intern with News To Live By to gain online experience.

For several weeks, she pitched in, learned critical work skills (like these) and enhanced her resume. She gave so she got. That’s how it works.

– REVERE your audience, don’t abuse it

Penelope Trunk, one of the most popular career bloggers, gives her crowd what they want: honest, actionable advice on life and work.

Whether you write a job application or pitch a new client, it’s always about what the audience needs. The more you help others find solutions to their problems, the more they will listen. #youmattermost

– QUIT the rat race, don’t run in it

Let everyone else brag and be their own PR machines. The “Bad Tippers”? The Millennials all about “ME”?

They’re a dime a dozen.

The people who give implicitly? Those are the ones who come by success naturally.

Heed that truth in the work world — and the next time the waiter brings the bill 🙂

What’s your general rule on tipping at restaurants?

Share below!

Featured photo: Thomas Beck Photo (Flickr)