Generational CommunicationIn the Workplace

J.T. Ebarvia — Augustine EgbunaStephen Flannery — Brian Howell

Four Generations in the Workforce

Matures Boomers Gen–X Gen–Y1945 1965 1985 2001

Depression

WWII

Vietnam

Free Speech

MoonLanding

PersonalComputer*

Radio

TV*

Facebook

WWW

Not to scale

Jet Age

Space Race

KoreanConflict

Networking*

Twitter

E-mail*

*Widespread adoption

Video Games*

Sputnik

Civil Rights Telecommuting

9-11

Beatles

HDTV

DVD

CD*

VCR*GUI* (Mac)

ElectricPower*

Telephones*

CellPhones*

SmartPhones*

InterstateFreeways

Cold War

Abstract

I. Identify generational factors leading to conflict

II. Consider the business costs of generational communications conflict

III. Suggest techniques for effective intergenerational communication

Generational Differences

There are more pronounced differences between the generations today than there ever has been before. That's simply because our world has changed so much in the last 50 to 80 years.

Claire Raines, author of Generations at Work

Matures

The ‘Quiet Generation’Lived through Depression and WWIIDeeply respect authorityWork is an obligationConservative and traditionalThreatened by technology

Boomers

Very competitiveVery optimisticTime–focusedHighly scheduled livesDefined by their workSelf important, egocentricSlow to adapt to new technology

Generation X

Very ambitiousInherently skepticalDon’t like surprisesQuick to adopt technologyHighly independent Seek meaning in every effort

Optimistic, like their parentsSocial networkersTeam OrientedStrong willedCrave attention, directionWeak face–to–face skillsLoyal to individuals not to employers

Generation Y

Generational Conflicts

Each generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it.

— George Orwell

Value Systems

Matures: Traditional and conservative

Boomers: More progressive

Gen– X and Y: Very liberal

Interpersonal Dynamics

Matures: Quiet, respectful of authorityBoomers: Egocentric, very competitiveGeneration X: Highly independentGeneration Y: Crave attention and direction

Work Orientation

Matures: Work is an obligation to be fulfilled

Boomers: Defined by what they do for work

Gen– X and Y: Defined by what they do after work

Technology Adoption

Matures: Threatened by changeBoomers: Slow to embraceGeneration X: Quick to adoptGeneration Y: Don’t stop to think about it

Techniques for Effective Inter-generational Communication

Skill in the art of communication is crucial to a leader’s success. He can accomplish nothing unless he can communicate effectively.

— Norman Allen

Matures

Use formal language

Engage them and ask pertinent questions

Don’t waste their time

Communicate face–to–face or in writing

Matures

Don’t expect them to be forthcoming

Listen to them to show them respect

Focus on what they say

Their word is their bond

Boomers

Recognize accomplishments and contributions

Acknowledge that they work very hard

Boomers

Answer questions thoroughly

Speak in an open, direct style

Expect to be pressed for details

Use effective body language

Boomers

Arrive and leave on time

Generation X

Present in ways that are engaging and fun

Speak in short sound bites

Use straight talk—stick to the facts

Be informal 2 + 2 = 4

Generation X

Don’t make commitments you can’t keep

Let them know if problems are foreseen

Generation Y

Reach out to them electronically

Generation Y

Employ humor

Use visual communication tools

Paint pictures with words

Generation Y

Constantly seek their input and feedback

Give them extra guidance and attention

Generation Y

Challenge with action verbs

Use informal language

In Conclusion

We’ve surveyed and differentiated the diverse generations currently in the American workforce.

We’ve identified generational factors leading to workplace conflict.

We’ve talked about some of the business costs of these conflicts.

And we’ve suggested techniques for effective communication.

Reduce stress

Decrease turnover

Boost productivity

Increase the bottom line

The Platinum Rule

Do unto others as they'd like done unto them.— Dr. Tony Alessandra