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Reading 1 - Communicating Across Generations

This document discusses communicating across generations in the workplace. It defines four generations currently in the workforce - the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials. Each generation has different experiences that shape their values and communication preferences. To be effective, workplaces need to understand generational differences and organize communication that includes all groups. This involves using multiple communication methods tailored to each generation.

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Laon Sina
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100 views

Reading 1 - Communicating Across Generations

This document discusses communicating across generations in the workplace. It defines four generations currently in the workforce - the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials. Each generation has different experiences that shape their values and communication preferences. To be effective, workplaces need to understand generational differences and organize communication that includes all groups. This involves using multiple communication methods tailored to each generation.

Uploaded by

Laon Sina
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Communicating Across Generations

For the first time in history, there are four different generations in the workplace.
Considering the professional and business climate demanded today, we need to take a cue
from the generational differences that can affect workplace issues such as recruiting,
building teams, dealing with change, motivating, and managing—which all boils down to
communication.

Research indicates that people communicate based on their generational backgrounds.


While one size does not fit all, people of the same generation, or age bracket, often share
common experiences. Because they share these experiences, they also share a value system.

Having to consider the variety of generations in the world today, we need to organize a
workplace and communication environment that enables a more inclusive organization. All
generations have the ability to support one another improving the lives of everyone.
Learning how to communicate with different generations can help eliminate
misunderstandings and increase how effectively and efficiently we can all function. When
reviewing this information, it’s possible that no group will fit any one person exactly—these
are just overall similarities in values and behaviors.

The Generations Defined Silent Generation: born between 1925 and 1941
This generation came of age during World War II and the effects of growing up in that time
period are realized in the behaviors of this group. One of the most distinctive qualities of this
generation is their concern for the plight of others. They tend to be cautious as a generation,
i.e.: saving money was a way of life. This generation values responsibility and women in this
generation tend to be team players who work within the system. The Silent Generation
accomplishes goals through hard work and sacrifice. This is the first generation of women
who aggressively moved into the workforce.

The best way to communicate with the Silent Generation is through face-to-face contact.
Formal social events are very successful as well as tributes and recognition events. Direct
mail, phone, and increasingly the internet are great ways to communicate with this group.
Email usage is climbing steadily with the Silents, but it is not at the same level as other
generations.

ENG12A - English for Professional Communication


Baby Boomer Generation: born between 1942 and 1964
This group represents the largest substantial sustained growth of the current time. These are
the post-W.W. II babies. They are also known as the generation who “questioned authority”
in many of cultures. Boomers enjoyed unprecedented employment and educational
opportunities in most countries. They value creativity—while their parents were conformists,
this generation searched to break the mold. They love adventure and are risk-takers.
Boomers tend to evaluate achievement in terms of personal fulfillment. This is the first
generation to discover that lifetime employment no longer exists—so job security is not
everything to them—but job satisfaction is. With women now firmly implanted in the
workforce, Boomers are forced to re-evaluate the role of work in their personal lives.

Because Boomers invented new forms of families, they also incurred new stresses. Boomers
were the first generation to divorce at a higher rate than the two previous generations.
Nostalgic messages work best with Boomers and they also enjoy networking events. Direct
mail, face to face interaction—especially in fundraising, the internet, and email—are great
ways to interface with this generation.

Generation X: born between 1965 and 1981


This is the first generation to grow up in the new family systems created by the Boomers, so
they are very independent. The Xers also adapted the Boomers “question authority” attitude
very quickly—much to the dismay of their Boomer parents. They are determined to be
involved, responsible and in control. Because Xers grew up watching television, they tend to
have a more cynical view and they focus on the here and now. They are risk takers, but they
take calculated risks and are not intimidated by authority. They are problem solvers, tend to
be goal oriented, and demand flexibility.

The best way to communicate with Xers is through email. They are very “e-friendly” and
engage in a variety of online media. They do well at social events—themed events and wine
tastings are popular. But Xers will not respond as well to something called a “recruitment”
event because it doesn’t sound fun—it sounds like a sales pitch. They want to get something
back from their investment, be it the actual cost or the value of their time.

ENG12A - English for Professional Communication


The Millennials/Generation Y: born between 1982-2000 (ages 10-24)
The Millennials are the first generation to grow up with the internet—they do not remember
a time when it didn’t exist. Many Millennials are technology dependent because of this.

They are over stimulated and because of this are easily bored. This generation understands
they will change jobs at least once every five years. As such, titles do not mean much—they
believe respect should be earned based on the job, not the title. Millennials are goal-oriented,
and like the “Silent Generation,” they are team players.

Communication Tips
Organizations with multi-generational representation have the important job of
understanding all of its members. Good communication is a key to living well (both
personally and professionally). Being able to connect and build rapport with other people is a
foundational life skill. Consider the following suggestions to guide communication efforts.

 Review and become familiar with the different generations listed above.

 Don't judge a book by its cover—in other words, look beyond appearances.

 Be cognizant of what is said, but more important, how it’s said. Generational clashes
often stem from miscommunication in tone or style.

 Adopt "ageless thinking"—one is only as old as she feels!

 Offer an information session on different generations and how to work as a team with
diverse age groups.

 Consider creating a mentoring program.

 Try adding team-building activities to club meetings.

 Have collaborative planning, decision-making or problem-solving discussions.

 Communicate information in multiple ways (phone, email, face-to-face)—varying the


type and means of communication ensures that all members feel engaged and informed.

ENG12A - English for Professional Communication


 Be accommodating to differences in personal scheduling needs, work/life balance issues,
and nontraditional lifestyles.

 Respect each other—treat everyone, from the newest to the most seasoned member, as if
they have great things to offer and are motivated to do their best.

 Capitalize on each individual member’s strengths.

 Be patient with each other. A little bit goes a long way.

Keep in mind that every organization is as diverse as the membership. It is the goal of any
team to carry out their respective organization’s mission while making membership
convenient and relevant within the reality of today’s environment. Remember, effective
communication reduces conflicts, promotes cooperation, and thus, increases a member’s
commitment to the team. Even though a theam may have a varied generational picture,
everyone is there for the same reasons.

ENG12A - English for Professional Communication

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