Being flexible and having the ability to adapt your communication style can help you with the different generations. Which generational style do you think you need to work on most?
Dr. Jean Norris
I think that there is so much to learn from all the generations. Always adapting to your student is crutial to be succesful in admissions.
Janet,
Yes, it is true that people can have a mix! Great awareness!
Dr. Jean Norris
It is very important to recognize our own communication style to be able to understand and communicate more efficiently with different generations. Also, taking in consideration that everybody can have a combination of generational styles.
That's great awareness Darless, patience is a tough one for many people. Specifically, how do you communicate these realistic expectations to your students?
Dr. Jean Norris
I am not a real patient person however some of these students have unrealistic expectations I really think they think a job will come look for them so I teach them they must be proactive. Show up and follow up.
Nydia,
Yes, the Millennial Generation has expectations and preferences that are different than prior generations. Do you see their need for instant results a good thing or a bad thing?
Dr. Jean Norris
I think every generation has something good and positive but I understand that the use of technology for students the Millennial generation for faster results.
Excellent! Thank you for sharing Bobbi.
Dr. Jean Norris
I think it will help them feel comfortable with me and help open lines of communication. Even if it's not necessarily my approved way!
That's great Bobbi, it's always good to continue our learning especially when it will help communicate with others. How do you think this will help you with your co-workers?
Dr. Jean Norris
I try to stay on top of new technology. I also try to do any online trainings offered through our company.
Bobbi,
I'm glad this eLearning lesson was helpful and provided insights on the communication styles of each generation. Technology has certainly made our jobs interesting, hasn't it? What can you do to 'keep up' and improve your technology skills?
Dr. Jean Norris
David,
You hit the nail on the head. When we can be flexible with our communication and customize our approach to match the style of the other person, it can help to build rapport and make the other person comfortable. Thank you for your post.
Dr. Jean Norris
I think the best thing is to do a class like this to learn about what each generation likes. Another key is then keeping up on technology and learning how to use them so that our ways of communicating can keep evolving. Finally, put all of this to use and tailor your communication as best as you can!
People communicate differently. Its very beneficial to be more prepared on how to communicate with another person. Understanding generational differences can help you with a starting point to a conversation. Starting off on the "right foot" can be interpreted as a sign of respect. Once the person is comfortable in a conversation that's where the listening really happens.
David,
That's a great observation. How do you think knowing this can help you be a more effective communicator? What specifically can you do to better connect with students and co-workers?
Dr. Jean Norris
I enjoy talking with students at the campus. I do see how some of the generational characteristics in this module do apply to people, understanding these characteristics will make you a more effective communicator.
Technology changes every day with our without us and when we take the initiative to stay as current as possible we increase the chance of connecting with the millennial generation. How does your institution maximize the use of social media?
Technology changes every day with our without us and when we take the initiative to stay as current as possible we increase the chance of connecting with the millennial generation. How does your institution maximize the use of social media?
