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Generational Communication
In the Workplace
J.T. Ebarvia — Augustine Egbuna
Stephen Flannery — Brian Howell
Four Generations in the Workforce
Civil Rights
Telephones*
WWII
Interstate
Freeways
Personal
Computer*
Vietnam
Korean
Conflict
Radio
Beatles
CD*
Cell
Phones*
HDTV
9-11
VCR*
GUI*
(Mac)
Moon
Landing
WWW
Twitter
DVD
Video
Games*
Sputnik
Depression
Telecommuting
Space Race
Smart
Phones*
E-mail*
TV*
Cold War
Electric
Power*
Networking*
Free Speech
Facebook
Jet Age
Matures
Boomers
1945
*Widespread adoption
Gen–X
1965
Gen–Y
1985
2001
Not to scale
Abstract
I. Identify generational factors leading to
conflict
II. Consider the business costs of generational
communications conflict
III. Suggest techniques for effective
intergenerational communication
Generational Differences
There are more pronounced differences between
the generations today than there ever has been
before. That's simply because our world has
changed so much in the last 50 to 80 years.
Claire Raines, author of
Generations at Work
Matures
The ‘Quiet Generation’
Lived through Depression
and WWII
Deeply respect authority
Work is an obligation
Conservative and traditional
Threatened by technology
Boomers
Very competitive
Very optimistic
Time–focused
Highly scheduled lives
Defined by their work
Self important, egocentric
Slow to adapt to new
technology
Generation X
Very ambitious
Inherently skeptical
Don’t like surprises
Quick to adopt technology
Highly independent
Seek meaning in every
effort
Generation Y
Optimistic, like their parents
Social networkers
Team Oriented
Strong willed
Crave attention, direction
Weak face–to–face skills
Loyal to individuals not to
employers
Generational Conflicts
Each generation imagines itself to be more
intelligent than the one that went before it,
and wiser than the one that comes after it.
— George Orwell
Value Systems
Matures: Traditional and conservative
Boomers: More progressive
Gen– X and Y: Very liberal
Interpersonal Dynamics
Matures: Quiet, respectful of authority
Boomers: Egocentric, very competitive
Generation X: Highly independent
Generation Y: Crave attention and direction
Work Orientation
Matures: Work is an obligation to be fulfilled
Boomers: Defined by what they do for work
Gen– X and Y: Defined by what they do after work
Technology Adoption
Matures: Threatened by change
Boomers: Slow to embrace
Generation X: Quick to adopt
Generation Y: Don’t stop to think about it
Techniques for Effective
Inter-generational Communication
Skill in the art of communication is crucial to a
leader’s success. He can accomplish nothing
unless he can communicate effectively.
— Norman Allen
Matures
Use formal language
Communicate face–to–face
or in writing
Engage them and
ask pertinent questions
Don’t waste their time
Matures
Don’t expect them to be forthcoming
Listen to them to show them respect
Focus on what they say
Their word is their bond
Boomers
Recognize accomplishments and contributions
Acknowledge that they work very hard
Boomers
Answer questions thoroughly
Speak in an open, direct style
Expect to be pressed for details
Use effective body language
Boomers
Arrive and leave on time
Generation X
Present in ways that are engaging and fun
Speak in short sound bites
Use straight talk—stick to the facts
Be informal
2+2=4
Generation X
Don’t make commitments
you can’t keep
Let them know if
problems are
foreseen
Generation Y
Reach out to them electronically
Generation Y
Employ humor
Use visual communication tools
Paint pictures with words
Generation Y
Constantly seek their input and feedback
Give them extra guidance and attention
Generation Y
Challenge with action verbs
Use informal language
In Conclusion
We’ve surveyed and differentiated the diverse
generations currently in the American workforce.
We’ve identified generational factors leading to
workplace conflict.
We’ve talked about some of the business costs of
these conflicts.
And we’ve suggested techniques for effective
communication.
Reduce stress
Decrease turnover
Boost productivity
Increase the bottom line
The Platinum Rule
Do unto others as they'd like done unto them.
— Dr. Tony Alessandra