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We all know there is a generational gap. It’s not a new concept. Change is constant, as is the way we use the various means of communication available to us.

For example, twenty years ago, an executive may have asked a twenty-something to type (possibly with a typewriter not a computer) a memo regarding a recent client interaction on real paper for him (not likely a her) to read. (This really did happen!) Today, an executive (most likely a Baby Boomer and quite possibly female) might want to give some quick instructions regarding an account to a Millennial (or Gen-Yer) via voicemail. But, the Millennial may not like voicemail, and avoids listening to messages, and may even ask that the message be sent to him/her as an e-mail or text. The Baby Boomer is put off by this attitude. In both examples, we need to try to understand to who we are communicating.

The December BurrellesLuce newsletter reviewing 2010 Media Relations predictions includes re-evaluating our approach to multi-generational communications. The newsletter sites Mike Carlton’s white paper, The Challenge of the Millennials.  There are many advantages to hiring Millennials, but the Baby Boomers (and quite possibly Gen-Xers) need to take the time to mentor and understand them.

For the purpose of this post, let’s concentrate on voicemail vs. text. A Baby Boomer friend of mine recently posted to his Facebook page how put-off he was by a message on a voicemail not to leave a voicemail message, which sparked quite a bit of debate. My friend’s point was sometimes a voicemail is the best way to convey a message. Additionally, he feels we shouldn’t rely on caller ID for calling people back. What if we don’t reach them? Sometimes you can call someone, but then you realize you can get the information another way, so you don’t leave a message. In this case, it would waste time for the person to call you back, when there is nothing to discuss. Many Millennials forget Boomers don’t always have or know how to text. On the flip side, texts and e-mails can be incredibly efficient.

I personally deal with this voicemail miscommunication every day. My husband (a Gen-Yer in a Gen-Xer body), does not listen to my messages. Many times, if he had listened to the message, he would have all the information he needs and would not need to call me back. Since I understand my husband doesn’t listen to his voicemail, I will often e-mail or text him when I have something quick to tell him.

If you do a web search, you will find several services to convert your voicemail to text. This might be a partial solution for Millennials looking to avoid listening to their voicemails with bosses and clients who insist on leaving them.

At the PR News “How-To” conference earlier this month, Donna Fenn, author of Upstarts: How Gen Y Entrepreneurs are Rocking the World of Business and 8 Ways You Can Profit From Their Success, discussed this same trend. Her advise, remember who you are communicating with and work to communicate in their preferred method. You will find you have more to gain, than to loose.

What are your predictions for communication changes in 2010? What will you do to better understand your boss or intern at your firm or organization?

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 at 9:55 am and is filed under Public Relations, Technology. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.