Greetings Linda,
As a director who inherited five Millennials and one Gen X (which I am also), has been an interesting journey. I have actively searched webinars to help me learn more about this generation. I was particularly surprised to learn that they have lots of information, but not a lot of knowledge. So my job is to make sure I set them up for success by putting things into the proper context. I must use real world examples and set clear expectations about what their efforts will look like in order to help bring them along the road. I enjoy learning how they think so that I can get the best out of them. There is still plenty of room to bridge the gaps but we must all be willing to learn from one another and respect the differences.
Today's students' are using technology more and more each day so it makes sense that you are having success with texting your students. How has the ability to text impacted your process?
Respecting that everyone is different and educating ourselves on our differences builds trust in communication. This will also give us a road map to identify specific techniques to speak to when building relationships. Once we've established relationships our students open up and feel comfortable sharing information with us and we are better able to learn about them. Listening to them, allowing them to truly feel heard is huge. I've also found texting to be a huge advantage when working with my students because it's a more comfortable platform for them than speaking face to face.
I will talk differnetly to those around me so I can better relate to them. The plder generations I will be specific to the point and the younger ones I will make sure to keep it fun and ask their opinion more.
Great awareness Corin. How will you use the knowledge about the four generational styles in your role?
I agree that recognizing there is a difference in how people are is just the beginning. I like that we can use the knowledge we just gained on the 4 generations can help when dealing with colleges as well.
The fact that you recognize a generational difference is a start. This recognition allows you to tailor your approach to the student.
Shannon, I was speaking from a parent point of view to get a point across to the audience.
My students and I understand each other. For I get a chance to meet all my students and I know the problems they face. I don't only address them from an administrator point of view but, give them something to look forward to that will cary them a long way in life. Sometimes you are the mother,and the father for some, and they are looking for someone they can talk to, gives them insight means a lot. Changing them into a uniform gives them pride and dignity it makes them feel good about themselves and what changes it will take for them to move forward to continue their education not to give up on themselves, no matter who have not been there for them or the hard roads they have had to travel but to keep climbing the ladder for success.
It sounds like you've had some frustrating experiences with a few who would be considered "today's generation", Linda. That can be disappointing and stressful, for sure. I also hear that you do your best to help these individuals understand how they represent themselves and how their decisions might impact them moving forward. Taking the time to get to know your students and what is driving their behaviors can be a powerful guide to how you can reach your students.
Shannon, you ask me how do I deal with today's generation? Let me keep it real,first and far most we need to be strong, their attitude, disrespecfullness, yelling, dressing, they have there own ways of doing things reguardless if you're are trying to give good advise and they don't listen let them go through their own battles. helping them with not solve the problem. but helping them gain and understanding about the things they are doing wrong will. If they want to talk they will come in a respectful manner, I will listen at this time. The message will be respected if they need to talk about something important to them and they want me to listen to give them feed back.
When you say something to this generation stick to it don't back down.Try and get them to understand and if reasonable come down to there level of understand.For high blood and stress
come alone for this is how I deal with today's generation.
Interesting question, Linda. There is a great deal of research and articles available to help gain an understanding of generational differences and ways that you might better connect with them. What are some of the things that you currently do to help you cope/connect with today's generation?
