Valerie Simon
Do you choose your words carefully? I’m not referring to SEO, but to everyday communication – blog posts, emails, texts, meetings, and even office conversations.
Recently, I have heard several Gen X managers, voice concerns regarding patterns of communication they are noticing in Gen Y employees; in particular, lengthy email exchanges that could be more efficiently managed with a quick phone call or a stroll 30 feet away, and tweets and emails which appear hastily written and not well thought out. Is this simply the result of a heightened comfort level that comes with growing up immersed in digital communications?
While I have read concerns that these digital habits also have a negative effect on face-to-face communications skills, my experience has been quite the opposite. In fact, I have noticed many of these same members of Gen Y, thrive in “real life” conversations. I see a respect and humility in their body language, and have been touched by the sincerity and thoughtfulness of their words. Looking someone in the eye seems to bring out a heightened awareness of the impact of their words and adds a sense of importance to the discussion.
As a Gen X’er, I grew up with the utmost respect for the written word. Letters were to be carefully crafted and edited. The only content available to the general public was published by professional journalists. To this day the power of the written word leaves me awed, impressed, and perhaps a little intimidated. Conversely, I find it easy to become extremely casual in conversation. A mentor recently encouraged me to write out my thoughts before meetings, so not to let my enthusiasm deter me from effective communication.
My BurrellesLuce colleague Crystal DeGoede recently questioned whether the mentality of other generations is the same as millennials. I wonder whether it is the mentality that is so different or simply the way in which the different generations communicate. Does growing up in a digital environment alter both written and in person communication styles? I’d be curious to hear your thoughts. What differences do you see between the communication styles of Gen Y and Gen X? And let’s not forget about the Boomers… how does their communication style fit into the mix?
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This is a really interesting topic and I think you’re right that a “heightened comfort level” is behind the differences in the way Gen X and Gen Y communicate (although I’m sure there are Gen X people who have developed that comfort level too). I know twenty-somethings who use instant messenger to talk to people sitting two desks away – although that’s an extreme example! It’s second nature to those of us who grew up with the internet to communicate in that way, but we do need to be careful that we don’t waste time. On the other hand, maybe Gen X could be more efficient by embracing a few of Gen Y’s communication tools – it’s all about communicating in the right way at the right time.
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Rebecca,
Very much agree that “it’s all about communicating in the right way at the right time.” A very important point. I think we all tend to communicate within our comfort zone . With ever expanding options for communication, we would be well served to step back and consider both what we choose to communicate and how we can most effectively do so.
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts!
Valerie
I definitely agree there is a difference in the way generations communicate. I think it’s all about how people adapt. Gen X can learn to adapt to what is sometimes labeled as a more “casual” way of communication by Gen Y, but at the same time Gen Y needs to adapt and understand that there are times in communicating with peers that a more formal approach is necessary and at times more effective. Great post!
Thanks for the comment Andrea. Adapting and understanding is so important across all generations who come together in the workplace! It’s interesting, while I consider myself extremely comfortable with digital communications, my primary experience has been in a professional capacity… probably one of the reasons I tend to be bit more formal!
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I think it depends on the individual, each case is different. There are times when a 20 minute IM session can be shorten by a 3 minute phone call. Other occasions a text or tweet may be the best way to go. Growing up in the digital age can affect ones writing skills if their using abbreviated phrases such as lol, ttyl, omg, and so forth in press releases and essays. If there is some communication gap between Gen X and Yers then both sides need to treat it as if their teammates on a sports team for a long period of time. Both sides have to constantly communicate with each other, not be afraid to make suggestions, accept critques and figure out each others strengths and weaknesses. At the end of the day you’ll working for the same common goal.
If we hadn’t had this conversation last week, I would have disagreed with you here. But now I understand your thinking and agree with you – our generation has respect for the written word because we were taught that anything you put in writing can, and will, be used against you. But I also see your point that Gen Y has more respect for the in-person communication because they don’t use it as much. That being said, I had to ban internal email in my office a year ago because people were saying things to their colleagues, via email or instant messaging, they NEVER would have said to them in person. I think it goes too far in what is appropriate and what is not. A good rule of thumb is – if you’re not comfortable saying something to a person’s face, DO NOT put it in an email.
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Good points Rob… I agree that an open dialog will go a long way in helping to bridge the different communication styles. Accepting suggestions is not always easy, but if we can open up our mind to one and others best practices, we will no doubt be more effective and efficient for our clients and customers!
Gini- It was our conversation that inspired this! I think you put it best if you’re not comfortable saying something to a person’s face, DO NOT put it in an email. And I’d add that if you are not comfortable with saying it to someone else, be wary… remember, once something is in writing it can be passed along!
I certainly paid attention to the rule that anything you put in writing can, and will, be used against you, but I am still curious to see whether people would agree with the idea that Gen Y regards IRL conversation with a heightened sensitivity…
Thanks for commenting Gini… and for the fabulous discussion that prompted this post!