Improved Communication with the Generations
What tips for improving communication with different generations will be most helpful for you? How so?
I was intrigued by the tips for improving communication with different Generations. My thoughts on how each generation communicated changed throughout the process. I would have thought Gen X’ers were more technology adopters since many of us didn’t have computer access growing up. I remember getting our first computer and I was completely lost as to how I was supposed to use it. I didn’t even have an email address until a few years after I graduated from college. I know that these are more like guidelines then rules. It is good to be able to break this down so we can identify some of the challenges or skills of our students.
Andrew, GREAT awareness! Thank you for posting in the forum. You are exactly right!
Dr. Jean Norris
I like to open the lines of communication up in different formats, on-line, face-to-face, any way possible. Certain generations prefer different types of communication, so being available in different means helps communication across generations.
Deborah,
Excellent! Understanding generational communication preferences and adapting your communication accordingly will allow you to enhance your connections with students, parents, and even colleagues. Thank you for posting!
Elizabeth Wheeler
Now that I can better understand the different generations, I will be more sensitive to the needs and wants of my students and their families. Knowing now the the Traditionalist likes face to face communications and in writing; the Baby Boomers like options; Generation Xers use email as one of their primary communication tools; and the Millennials need constant feedback will enable me to address each generation with respect and flexibility.
Mary Catherine, That is an interesting perspective! Do you feel it's a generational preference or an individual preference?
Dr. Jean Norris
I'm often guided to use phone calls and face to face communication with all age groups of potential students. Completing this module helped reinforce to me that Gen X and Millenials do prefer email communication. It will be helpful to present this information to my boss in order to best meet the communication needs of these generations.
Asmir, That is a great point! Knowing your audience is key in helping to customize information. What is the benefit of using all modes of communication no matter the generation?
Dr. Jean Norris
Nancy, Well said! Great point that it's based on the individual!
Dr. Jean Norris
Knowing how the different generation like to be talk to is of big help in presenting the different programs we offer.
Emails and texts don't work for everyone. Age is only a tip on what communication mode will work. You still need to pay attention to the individual and do what works best for that person. No one communication modality is the right answer.
Victoria, It sounds like you have a great perspective on how you relate to your environment. Thank you for sharing!
Dr. Jean Norris
Being a Baby Boomer has made it very easy for me to relate to all generations. Because my generation was controversial, full of cultural changes, some promoted by "us" the younger people who got involved in political, International issues, new styles of music, fashions and ideals. I can resonate with how spontaneous and expressive some of the younger generations are. I always felt like I had opened the doors for the roles they are playing now in society and education.
Grace,
Excellent insights! It is inspiring that you make the choice to learn and grow, too. Do you ever find it exhausting to be "on" so often?
Dr. Jean Norris
Dr. Norris, it is vital that we understand,first of all, the preferred medium of communication of all the generations. As a leader for an academic institution, whose subordinates are 'mixed,' it is very siginificant that I take into high consideration how I conduct feedback, where I conduct feedback, and the frequency of feedback. Since my primary responsibility as a leader is to grow and retain our student population, it is crucial that the dynamics of my team is diverse, so as to accomodate to the different types of students, as well as be able to bridge the communication gap there exist between prospective students and staff members of our institution. I personally love communication per se,and it is never a dull moment engaging myself in a meaningful conversation with someone of/from a different generational style or demographic group. I say this, because I love to learn and I appreciate it so much when others take the time to teach or enlighten me about certain things, since my cultural upbringing and interests are different than theirs :-).
Michael, Great advice. What is something that you can do, specifically, to communicate with someone from a different generation than you?
Dr. Jean Norris
I think that with every generation, you must be present in the conversation. Whether it be face to face or social media, be present make sure the others know they are the only thing you care about.
Rachel,
Excellent point. Thank you for sharing this in the forum. What other formalities have you taken note of in your experiences?
Dr. Jean Norris
When dealing with different generations, it is important to be flexible and allow for exchange of ideas and information. Based on one's socio-economic background and the region that hey grew up may impact on their communication style or preference. For example, people originating from the islands of different generations may prefer more formality. i.e calling some one by their Surname rather than first name basis.
