Communication between generations

Communication is fundamental to human existence. Stewart stresses the

notion that there is a link between quality of communication and quality of life.
Human potential develops through close, supportive, and interpersonal
communication. Meaningful interpersonal communication looks at how two
people interact as a dyad treating each other as unique individuals who are
irreplaceable. In other words, they have an impact on each other’s lives (Adler,
Rosenfeld, & Proctor 2010 in Turnbull, 2010, p. 6). Each generation has a
unique communication style, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings
if you don't know how to approach them.
Today we have four different generations. Generation Z, Millennials,
Generation Xer, and Baby Boomers. The communication challenge arises in
that each of the four different generations has been raised in different times,
political influences, education, technology, social, and economic influences. All
of this ‘nurturing’ delivers different beliefs, expectations, and most
importantly, different ways of seeing the world around us.
Gen Z (born after 2000) also known as “Post 90s generation” and the
“iGeneration,” kids 15 and younger have grown up in the digital age. The most
important thing to remember is that they didn’t choose to use technology,
they were born using it. They think bigger, faster, and with far more
distractions. When you communicate with a Gen Z, you want to get right to the
point. You might even want to use their preferred mode of communication.
Shoot them a text? Update their iCal? You get the idea–go where they already
are. If you can make it bite-sized and fun, they are much more likely to pay
attention.
Millennials (1980-2000) … when you talk to them, ask their opinion, value
their ideas, and let them help construct the solution with you. Approach a
millennial in the brainstorming stage before you have an idea formed. This will
help them feel buy-in and that they are on the same team as you.
Gen Xers (born 1965 to 1979) … anytime you want to reach out to a Xer,
you will get a better response if you try to address their needs and take
pressure away from them. Think: “how can I offer help, not ask for help?” and
you will get a great reply and lots of gratitude.
 Boomers (born 1946 to 1964) are an interesting generation. Respect should
be paramount. Whether you are discussing a new idea or working through
conflict, respecting a boomer’s life experience and opinion is key to effective
communication. Baby Boomers have and continue to leave their mark on
current history. This group includes political leaders such as President Barack
Obama, former Presidents George W. Bush Bill Clinton, Mitt Romney, and
Condoleezza Rice. (N.d. Scienceofpeople.com.)
Each generation is heavily influenced by personal, cultural, social, and
psychological factors that affect their behavior and impact when, where, why,
and how they need to adapt and receive information. At the same time,
technology and social media are transforming business and personal
communication at lightning speeds.
An example is a grandparent-grandchild situation. Grandparents love to be
able to talk to their grandchildren, regardless of the method. Whether that is
over the phone or face to face, the “grandparent generation” mostly consists
of those born in the Baby Boomer or Generation X generations. However, most
grandchildren of these groups fall into the Millennial generation or Gen Z.
While the grandparents would rather talk verbally or face to face, it seems that
most grandchildren would rather text. When I talk to my grandparents, I must
be very careful what I say and how I say it. Because our way of thinking and the
way we perceive things is different. Or when I talk to Mr. Han, things get more
complicated, because he is from South Korea and is about 50-55 years old. We
are very opposite, in the way we think, the way we speak, our vision of the
world, etc. When I don't agree with what he says, sometimes I can support my
point of view, but more abstractly. But most of the time, I just nod my head
and say that I agree.
Lastly, new generations are being born every day and we must begin to
consciously consider how we will keep up with new methods of
communicating that will also continue to be born. How will we ensure that the
different generations stay in touch with each other, and won’t let new
communication methods be a barrier?
Reference
Adler, Rosenfeld, & Proctor 2010 in Turnbull. Steward 2002a.
Scienceofpeople.com.