The Importance of Communicating Across Diversity Misty Booher Effective Communication Spring Quarter 2012

Employees, partners, and customers are more racially, ethnically, and culturally diverse than ever before and are becoming more so every day. To grow and compete successfully, businesses will need to understand the diversity around them, communicate across cultures, and integrate diversity awareness throughout their workplace. Ethnicity Age Gender Disabilities

We live and work in a Global community. Citibank reporting earning of 2.9 billion in just the first quarter of 2012. Starbucks net revenues is up 12% with International sales contributing for 8% of this growth.

Communication Across Ages For the first time, four generations of employees are simultaneously playing a prominent role in the workplace. Today we have more and more people who are working beyond their 60s into their 70s, and 80s. Remember as well that generations typically span 20 years.

Tips for Effective Communication Use simplified language (The K.I.S.S. Principal). Be specific about timelines and due dates for deliverables. Avoid using gender-specific metaphors.  Acknowledge age difference and talk about how you can learn from each other and help each other be more successful. Avoid assuming that because people are a certain age they will act a certain way. Instead of treating others as you like to be treated, find out how they like to be treated and respect them by honoring that.

Work Cited Berardo, Kate and Lieberman, Simma. “Bridging Age Gaps in the Workplace: Beyond Sterotypes to Strategies.” Cultorsity. n.p. 2004. <www.culturosity.com/articles/bridgingtheagegap.htm> Borkar, Rujuta. “Why is Diversity Important?” Buzzle n.p 18 Jan. 2012. <www.buzzle.com/articles/why-is-diversity-important.html> Green, Aaron. “Communicating Across Cultures.” Boston Monster HR Center n.p. 22 Jan. 2008. <www.boston.com/jobs/on_staffing/012208l.shtml> Harris, Kerri. “Communicating For Diversity.” Writing Assistance, Inc. n.p. n.d. <www.writingassist.com/resources/articles/communicating-for-diversity/>