Okay, I’m in the baby boom generation. It is hard to admit that I am that old. However, over the last 10-15 years, I noticed that there is a distinct difference in work attitude of subsequent generations. First, let’s recap, there is the Silent Generation (World World II generation), the Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964), the Generation X’ers (born between 1965 and 1980), the Millennials (born between 1981 and 1995) and the Digital Natives (born after 1995). Each one of these groups have a different way of approaching work. If you are still active in the business world, you are probably noticing these differences in work ethics between the groups. Over the next few blogs, we can explore the differences, because only by understanding the differences can we truly learn to work together. The information presented here is a recap of an article in HR Magazine, published by Society for Human Resource Management, May, 2011.
Today we will discuss communications. The Boomers and Silent Generation prefer the face-to-face meetings and phone calls. We learned to ‘read’ people by looking at them in the eyes. How someone was dressed and talked was important indicators. Generation X’ers prefer to communciate with email rather than meet in person. Millennials generally don’t use email as much and as a result, they usually don’t answer emails on a timely basis. You will find Millennials using IM and texting. Both the Generation X’ers and the Millennials see value in social networking such as Facebook. They are generally not as concerned about privacy issues. This can cause serious conflict in an organization. Therefore, experts advise organizations to create diverse channels of communciations. As a Boomer, I need to describe the significance of the face to face to the younger workers, especially the importance of keeping information private. However, I also need to understand how younger worker accomplish their work using other communication techniques. I have to admit, I am doing a lot more texting in 2011 then I did in 2010 and I am now on Facebook. I guess IM techniques are my next IT hurdles.
Next week we will cover Managing the Generations.
