It makes sense because your student population is going to consist of more Millennials as time goes on. Be sure to check with your management and/or marketing team before using text messages because there are specific guidelines for texting that need to considered. Good luck enrolling more Millennials Wendy!
The use of social media to communicate with our millenium students, both current and prospective is very useful. They don't respond well to phone calls or face to face so our relationship building has to take on a different role with them by using communication avenues that are comfortable to them. This also forces those of us from other generations to become more aware as well as more comfortable with new technology
Our office contacts primarily through phone. We do some emails and are just starting to text. We've really got to get in line with the millennials and text more. I really don't think they even listen to our voice mails.
This training is very timely!
Approaching each conversation with the understanding that everyone is unique will allow you to better connect regardless of their generation. Which generation presents you with the greatest communication challenge?
I consider each person individual. Not always will the communication fit in with the person according with ther generation.
Geoffrey,
I hear ya. I forgot my passwords all the time. It may be a hassle but one you get the hang of it...it's hard to go back! Best of luck!
Dr. Jean Norris
I am sure it is just resistance to change. All the passwords, creating accounts, etc. With a number of years before retirement...I better get with the program or get a time machine! HA HA
Geoffrey,
You certainly have a great awareness of your preferences and what you don't like. What specially is preventing you from learning more about Twitter and Facebook?
Dr. Jean Norris
Good question! It is very helpful to now be aware of the "core" communication styles discussed in the training. My primary shortfall is the tech communication methods, I am okay with email and cell phone text. But can the things like twitter and facebook be made "simple" for someone who is a technophobe? I find going on such a website, then being faced with quite a long list of fineprint and a button at the end that says "I Agree"...I am not going to click on it, I am not certain that I understand what I have read, so, I do not go any further. I really hate it! I am not sure if there are tips for that but I am sure there are benefits to communicating in these ways.
I agree with Christine - we use emails and texting to reach the Millennials. They most often won't read letters or memos that are sent to them, nor will they respond to that mode of communication. The obstacle that we come by is getting that generation to meet the communication needs of the Baby Boomers and Traditionalists. In the profession that we're in (health care) it's important to have face to face conversations. So, in the classroom, we'll have classes on communication where the students will role play with different scenarios and act out which form of communication is best for each generation. It's been eye opening for all of us.
Yes, we all have something to offer; however, I think the Millennials have a greater ability than they have been allowed to reach. If you think about it, in the 1800's, young people were raising their own families at a very young age, getting the crops in so they could survive the winter, and worrying about the Indians attacking and their brains were able to process all of that. I have parents calling at the college level because their daughter was upset with the lesson plan on death. The parents say she shouldn't have to think about this at her young age. Hmm...
Jessica, great point. It sounds like you work with others well because you recognize their individuality. I love what you said about the generations learning from one another as people can certainly gain great attributes from others.
Dr. Jean Norris
The module itself, brought awareness that I had not recognized. Yet, I've had a natural ability to mirror people in conversation a bit. Every person is treated for their individuality and that's why I love working with people. All generations can and do learn from one another!
Excellent insight, Stephany. I get the feeling that you do your best to customize your communication based on the person. This is a great practice, especially since there may be times that a peron's communication preference doesn't necessarily fit with the preferred method of communication for their generation. Keep up the good work!
I consider each person individual. Not always will the communication fit in with the person according with ther generation.
It sounds as if you work with a variety of generations in the workplace. Now that you've picked up some knowledge on how each generation is unique, how specifically will you use what you've learned to improve communication?
It was very interesting to read the various generational differences. Those various generations are definitely here at the workplace and the insight on how each generation thinks if good to have under the belt for future knowlegde. Building those working relationships and understanding the general mentality is really godo to know.
Great insights and application, Melissa. I'm certain the awareness of the different generations will help you with all your audiences.
I think all generations should glean some things from each other.
I enjoyed reviewng the first module on underdtanding generational learning styles,especially since my daily audience and contacts consists of all generations in a high school setting. Building relationships with students, teachers, administrators,and school counselors and providing thought provoking, valuable workshops are very important to me.
