Generational Communication In the Workplace J.T. Ebarvia — Augustine Egbuna Stephen Flannery — Brian Howell

Four Generations in the Workforce

MaturesBoomersGen–XGen–Y Depression WWII Vietnam Free Speech Moon Landing Personal Computer* Radio TV* Facebook WWW Not to scale Jet Age Space Race Korean Conflict Networking* Twitter * *Widespread adoption Video Games* Sputnik Civil Rights Telecommuting 9-11 Beatles HDTV DVD CD* VCR* GUI* (Mac) Electric Power* Telephones* Cell Phones* Smart Phones* Interstate Freeways 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 WWII Deeply respect authority Work is an obligation Conservative and traditional Threatened by technology

Boomers Very competitive Very optimistic Time–focused Highly scheduled lives Defined by their work Self important, egocentric Slow to adapt to new technology

Generation X Very ambitious Inherently skeptical Don’t like surprises Quick to adopt technology Highly independent Seek meaning in every effort

Optimistic, like their parents Social networkers Team Oriented Strong willed Crave attention, direction Weak face–to–face skills Loyal 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 authority Boomers: Egocentric, very competitive Generation X: Highly independent Generation 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 change Boomers: Slow to embrace Generation X: Quick to adopt Generation 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 = 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