As each new generation comes of age, we hear this refrain, however, though this is a popular notion, it may not be entirely accurate. Although Millennials are no more or less headstrong than previous generations of twenty-somethings, Gen-Xers, Boomers, and Traditionalists find it challenging to arrive at an understanding with them. Conversely, Millennials find it frustrating as they attempt to make themselves clear with the over- 40 crowd.
As George Orwell said, “Each generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it.” In all truth, each of the four generations has its own communication preferences, and no generation is any more difficult to communicate with than the other.
Both the preferred form of communication and its content vary significantly across generational lines, however, it is incumbent upon the message sender to understand the preferences of the receiver if effective communication is to occur.
In her groundbreaking article, Baby Boomer Leaders Face Challenges Communicating Across Generations, Christine Zust, a communications expert, provides tips for communicating effectively across generational lines. Zust kindly gave permission to this author to use her tips in a workshop designed to assist public sector managers to better relate to their employees. After delivering this workshop across the U.S. over 75 times since 2004, I have augmented these tips based upon feedback from 1500 workshop attendees who added their collective experience to the process of attempting to target messages in a generationally specific way.
Traditionalists (those born before 1943) are either in, or approaching their golden years. Blessed with the wisdom that comes with ample life experience, this generation speaks in meta-messages more so than junior generations. Meta-messages express a larger meaning than indicated in the words sent. As we age, we learn to say more using fewer words. The messages sent by the wisest among us often provide us with the best answers to our challenges if we can correctly interpret the meaning. Understanding the Traditionalist requires good clarifying queries and questions such as, “Why do you say that?” and “Can you tell me more about that?”
Traditionalists usually prefer face-to-face communication, a telephone call, or a written communiqué. Reading body language and facial expressions will tell the Traditionalist whether the speaker is being truthful, and will reveal their emotional state. Such nonverbal indicators as eye contact, fidgeting, or a slumped posture speaks volumes to the Traditionalist listener. Oddly enough, however, Traditionalists will give few clues with their own body language, fearing they will give too much away. If given the choice, visit with the Traditionalist rather than call them, and call them rather than send an email.
Here are a few quick tips to get the most out of your communication with a Traditionalist:
- Speak and write using formal language and correct form. Traditionalists tend to assess intelligence based on grammatical skills.
- Use inclusive words such as “we” and “us” to build trust.
- Be patient in learning what the Traditionalist wants and needs. They may be reticent to impose their ideas and plans on others.
- Speak clearly and in a lower, well-modulated tone to be best heard.
- Do not rush the communication whether written or verbal. Give “thinking time” to all parties involved in the communication.
The Baby Boomers, born between 1943 and 1964, are known for their work alholism and multi-tasking sensibilities. “Recognition is important to Boomers,” according to Claire Raines, co-author of the book, Generations at Work. Raines says Boomers favor a personable style of communication that aims to build rapport.
Boomers pride themselves on being proficient body language readers and look for consistency between the words and nonverbal messages being sent. Having done much of their communicating via telephone, Boomers can usually pick up subtle nuances in voice tone and speech rhythms that add meaning to the caller’s message. Boomers tend to talk more with their hands than other generations, and like to show you what they are saying. Boomers would likely rather talk with you by phone occasionally as opposed to receiving nothing from you but emails.
Tips for communicating effectively with the Boomer generation include the following:
- Speak directly and openly, and refrain from using qualifiers in your speech. If a Boomer hears “I may be wrong, but...” they will probably assume you are wrong.
- Be comprehensive when answering a Boomers questions, and include procedural details when you are relating your plans and processes to them.
- Do not attempt to be manipulative with a Boomer. They can see right through contrived approaches.
- Boomers believe they invented brainstorming, so don’t be surprised when they ask you to offer multiple options when engaged in problem solving or decision making with them.
- Be flexible. Boomers tend to like to refine their plans as they go, so be prepared to adjust the target midway through a project with them.
Gen-Xers, born between 1965 and 1978, tend to be independent thinkers with a gift for entrepreneurship. They are full of ideas on to how to refine and improve most anything that already exists. Unlike their Boomer colleagues, they avoid becoming workaholics and tend to focus on living a more balanced life. The quality and quantity of family time is sometimes even more important to them than what they are accomplishing at work.
According to David Stillman, co-author of the book, When Generations Collide, “When we’ve wanted information — boom — we’ve been able to get it,” Stillman says. “Expectations are immediate and instantaneous.” Cut through the chase when informing Gen-Xers about most anything.
Both at work and at home, Gen-Xers enjoy challenging projects and achieving personal growth.
To relate best to the Gen-X generation try some of these communications clues:
- Understand that this generation was the first to maximize the use of technology and they know how to speak the language of Information Technology. Learn the language to earn their trust and respect.
- Use email as your primary communication tool and keep the message short. Five lines or less is desirable if possible.
- Talk in short bytes to keep their attention.
- Gen-Xers value feedback, so give them ample amounts of it, and request their feedback as well.
- Use an informal communication style that capitalizes on verbal shorthand, “Got milk?” and “Let’s roll!” are perfect examples of Gen-X brevity.
Millennials, those born between 1979 and 1999 are sometimes referred to as Gen-Ys. Members of this generation tend to be highly creative, well educated, and technologically proficient.
They prefer written communication over the spoken word, and prefer to receive a text than an email. They are quite content to let their electronic device talk to your electronic device, rather than to meet for a heart-to-heart discussion. Proficient at “reading between the lines,” Millennials can easily detect the tone of written communications. Like most everything else in their lives, Millennials enjoy communications that move fast.
Marketing expert Frank Magid, contends that Millennials consume 20 hours of media a day, but that it is all done within 8 hours of clock time.
To engage Millennials keep these tips in mind:
- Use humor. Millennials like to have fun, even when communicating during stressful situations.
- Make good use of action verbs. Millennials like to “scrub the budget,” and “unleash energy.” Inspire them with words that create excitement.
- Millennials have learned the benefits of precision while mastering technology and they appreciate precise communication. Learn texting shorthand and use it liberally to convey a message in short order.
- Don’t patronize. This is a well-researched generation and when they speak, they usually know what they are talking about. Let them know that you respect their intelligence and watch your friendship bloom.
All humans, regardless of age, yearn to be understood. Each generation has their own unique communication quirks and talents. The next time you find yourself confronted with the opportunity to communicate with others of a different generation, reach out and touch them in the way they want to be touched, and you will be the lucky recipient of their understanding and appreciation.
Sources:
Generations at Work: Managing the Clash of Veterans, Boomers, Xers, and Nexters in Your Workplace by Ron Zemke, Claire
Raines and Bob Filipczak, AMACOM , 1999
When Generations Collide: Who They Are. Why They Clash. How to Solve the Generational Puzzle at Work by Lynne C.
Lancaster and David Stillman, Harper Collins Publishing, 2002