This is great insight, Josh. It sounds like you prefer to get to the heart of the matter regarding work and projects rather than spending a great deal of time on conversation outside of your focus. I'm sure your team appreciates your focus and dedication to getting the job done. If you were in a situation where you had to work closely with someone who preferred to chat a bit before getting to work related conversations, how might you adapt your style to ensure your effectiveness as a team?
I prefer the traditionalist approach to communication. I think this is because I am a fast paced worker who likes to get things done. When I am in work mode, I like for people to stick to the facts. So to speak.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Elizabeth. I get the sense that you recognize the benefit of utilizing a variety of communication preferences in order to connect with people. This is a great approach, especially since some individuals may actually identify with the characteristics of another generation rather than their own. Keep up the good work!
Although I am not a Gen X I do want to get ahead now and I look for rapid results. However I like texting and emails, but I do think a phone call is sometimes best. Conversations can be taken out of context in an email or text at times.
Looks like you try to incorporate a bit of each generation in your style. Keep it up, I'm sure it's appreciated.
It is interesting that I am a Millennial and share a lot of the qualities of the baby boomer generation. Maybe because one of my parents are from the generation.
Anyway, I enjoy all off the communication styles of the Millennial generation but also enjoy meeting face to face and without a doubt enjoy hearing that my work is valued and respected.
Ashley, that is a great point. When we only communicate in one way, we will reach only those who communicate that way as well. By being flexible and adapting to your prospective student's communication preference, you have a greater chance of building rapport.
Even as a Millennial, I tend to naturally speak very directly and prefer to speak face to face like traditionalists. In admissions, it’s important embrace all ways of communications because the person I’m speaking with may be in one generation but communicate like another. So, I think it’s important to adapt to each person individually.
Absolutely, Stephany! It sounds like you've used your own personal awareness about yourself and applied that knowledge to how it might impact your communication with others. That's awesome and I imagine this awareness has allowed you greater opportunities to connect with people from all generations.
Sara, you raise an interesting point here. When is it OK to use the advanced communication and technology and when is it unprofessional? Because students today are different than they were in the past, perhaps each student can direct the type or level at which you communicate. Have you used or seen a text message regarding school acceptance before? How did the student respond?
I am part of the baby boomer generation. However, I enjoyed to be contacted through social media website or text messages. We need to keep in mind that each person is different and their communication preferences may not always be part of their generation.
I enjoy social media and use it a lot in my personal and professional life. One thing though that I don't agree with is using social media or texting to communicate official business. One of the questions asked how we should notify a student they've been accepted to a school. I think that it is inappropriate to send them a text message saying they have been admitted. Maybe I'm just old-school though! :)
Interesting point Adalinda. Do you find it necessary to communicate that way because of convenience or because that is how other people are communicating? Technology has drastically changed the way people are communicating these days.
I very often communicate by text or by social media but I would not call it a preference in communication but rather a necessity.
That's great awareness to have, Katie. Isn't it interesting to see how certain traits/qualities transcend generations? I imagine that your colleagues and students appreciate the fact that you make yourself available outside of the office, too! Keep up the good work.
As a Millenial I do see that I have some qualities of a Baby Boomer. Those qualities would be that I do not mind being called at home after work or during a day off. I also like to be be rewarded for my "job" well done.
Great insight, Allan. Flexibility is definitely a great skill to have - expecially in admissions. Do you have any specific examples of adapting to a student based on their communication style? Would be great to learn what you do!
As a Gen Xer, flexibility for is definitely key. By being in Admissions, it is essential to be able to adapt and conenct with the communication style of the prospective student.
Flexibility in communication gives you unlimited potential to connect with others. This is what we call "requisite variety". Believe it or not, there are some who don't have the flexibility you do and they miss out on lots of opportunities. So keep up the good work!
Absolutely part of helping others is adapting to the ways that they prefer to communicate. It makes it easier on them so I'm very flexible
