INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNICATION That makes camp stronger

Struggling as a society How we interact with one another, what each generation feels is Appropriate, respectful, responsible for communication

Silent or Radio or Traditional Generation 73 and older Raised by parents that just survived the Great Depression Core values: Adhere to rules Dedication/Sacrifice Delayed Reward Discipline Don’t question authority Duty before pleasure “Giving Back” is important Hard Work Trust in Government Silent or Radio or Traditional Generation

Baby Boomers Anti war/Anti government Ages 53-72 Post War Babies who grew up to be radicals of the 70’s and yuppies of the 80’s. Core values: Anti war/Anti government Anything is possible Equal rights/Equal opportunities Personal Gratification/Personal Growth Question everything…Trust no one over 30 Baby Boomers

Generation X Ages 38-52 Perceptions are shaped by Core values growing up having to take care of themselves watching their politicians lie parents getting laid off. Core values Work-life Balance Fun Highly Educated/High job expectations, Lack of organizational loyalty Self-reliance/independence

Millennials Ages: 21(maybe 24) - 37 Influences: Core values Achievement Avid consumers Diversity/Highly tolerant Like personal attention Members of global community Most educated generation Influences: Digital Media child focused world 9/11 terrorist attacks Increase in children of divorce Economic expansion as they grew up First generation of children with schedules. Ages: 21(maybe 24) - 37 Millennials

GenZ (or 24, depending) Up to age 21 Never lived a day without the internet/Digital natives “Always on” Co-creating culture with the influencers Drone parenting Receding economy, huge educational costs Influences Change the world Anyone can be “famous” - recognition Empathetic self-starters Uniqueness/authenticity/creativity and shareability Suspect dishonesty Ideas, not age or seniority, should rule Core values

FAMILY across the generations Silent: Nuclear, traditional Boomers: Mom stayed home As children were seen as “special” Generation X: Latch-key kids Women widely expected to work outside the home The first “day care” generation Dual Income families Millennials: Merged families, “coddled” kids GenZ: Framily, ever-expanding definition FAMILY across the generations

Media Communication No phone Rotary phone Touch tone phone Cordless phone Pagers Cell phones Internet Social media

Silent Generation Communication Discrete Story-based Formal, logical Show respect for their age/experience Use titles Good grammar Manners (no profanity) Hand-written notes better than email

Boomer Communication Diplomatic In person Speak open – direct style Present Options (flexibility) Answer questions thoroughly and expect to be pressed for details Avoid Manipulative/controlling language Get consensus-include them or they may get offended OK to use first names Boomer Communication

Generation X Communication Blunt, direct, immediate Present facts Use email as #1 Informal communication style Talk in short sound bytes Don’t mico-manage Tie your message to “results” Generation X Communication

Millennials Communication Use positive, respectful, motivational words Electronic communication usually preferred In person for important messaging Use email and voice mail as #1 tools Don’t talk down-they will resent it Show you are human Be careful with words and tone Prefer to learn in teams, multi-media, entertaining and exciting Millennials Communication

GenZ Communication In person communication with managers! Value integrity and honesty. Weak communicators in written form Want communication as equals Want high expectations Autonomy Frequent feedback GenZ Communication

Work Environment Boomers Names and connection before content Tech, at work Gen X Tech at work or at home but want work/life boundaries Functional, flexible, fast-paced, informal Access to leadership and information Work with you, not for you Millennials Tech all the time, including non-work communication Collaborative, creative, fun, intrepreneurial Diverse Want continuous feedback, clear goals and expectations Supervision & Structure Recognition for and from their heroes Gen Z Tech if it’s not value-driving communication Entrepreneur, sustainable, aligned with values Maker culture, initiative Global mindset, looking for ways to help the world Work Environment

Silent Conservative, planned giving and financial management tools One-on-one meetings, ask their advice. No email fundraising, The more personal the better. Boomers Put them out front and in the spotlight Get them involved, allow them to find self-fulfillment Aggressive planned giving, appeal to their idealism Could your agency be where they spend their “third age?” Generation X Humor in appeals Volunteer independently for your agency, avoid committees Social entrepreneurs-“micro-loans” Creative use of new technologies Primary focus is their family. Millennials Focus groups, ask their opinions Put them in charge, let them plan, utilize their networks Technologies for appeals, short, act fast on their interest Link your cause to sustainability. Fundraising

Communication Obstacles Misusing technology 1 Assumptions of any kind (gender, experience, humor, language) 2 Work ethic expression “Why” as disrespect? Or engagement?? 3

Communication Opportunities More exposure to different generations strengthens everyone! Life experiences and perspective Practice for talking to folks of different generations (campers especially need this, but staff as well) Break down biases

Best Communication Strategy Question your assumptions – be curious! Ask good questions Preferred methods of communication Preferred styles To open dialogue, not fill out a form! Get honest feedback and the chance to change Best Communication Strategy

Leadership training is the time to be intentional about intergenerational obstacles and opportunities Make your young staff better at communicating with campers, better at “managing up” More self-aware Make sure you are too! Staff Training

Dr. G has digital resources YOU need for your families! Pick a time to talk to her about it! (click this!)