First, let’s get to know these generations we’re talking about. The chart at right matches the years of birth with the generational nicknames. Because I focus on workplace issues, most of my discussions revolve around the middle 4 groups.
- The Silents like face-to-face time. They are logical and conservative communicators. Don’t make it too personal, they don’t express their inner thoughts and feelings easily.
- The Boomers are the personable group and are all about meetings – get together and discuss it. They use both face-to-face and electronic communications, but for those big decisions, they want to “sit down and talk.”
- The Xers want you to prove to them you know what you’re talking about. They are individuals first, and a group second. Make it quick and direct, they don’t have time for chit chat. They prefer electronic communication because it’s more efficient.
- Our Gen Ys need feedback and are overall very positive. They have an affinity for networking and collaboration is their middle name. Text messaging is mandatory for this group, however they are great face-to-face with the Silents.
- Understand their motives. Who is right and who is wrong, or is it all gray area?
- Xers can discuss an issue without having to be right.
- Boomers tend to be the “my way or the highway” type.
- Silents see things in black and white with ethics being first and foremost.
- Gen Ys look for the greater good, almost like “all for one and one for all.”
- It’s not what you say, but how you say it, with each of these groups. Our communication style must adapt to the realities of today, i.e., face-to-face meetings combined with webinar-type technology.
- Look beyond appearances. Someone who appears “old” isn’t brain dead; someone who is “a kid” may have a brilliant idea if you’d just take the time to listen.
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Sounds very interesting.
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Great tips – you nailed it! I see myself, my mother and my kids- very interesting!