| When starting a new job or getting a new boss, one of the most important things we can do for ourselves and our future success is “get on the same page” with the other person. Many clients I coach struggle to align with new bosses or team members because communication is difficult. We are all different, with different experiences and ways of thinking and doing. We don’t read minds, yet sometimes, others expect us to do just that. Create a communication plan with your boss to determine how to communicate in daily situations. What about in time-sensitive emergencies? Do they prefer phone calls, Slack, text messages, or emails? How can you maximize the effectiveness of your weekly meetings? Check out this article from HBR, 28 Questions to Ask Your Boss in Your One-on-Ones. |
| Worth The Share |
| To build on how nuanced communication can be, consider the research done between the different generations. Right now, we primarily have four generations in the workforce Boomers, known for their work ethic, are those born between 1946 and 1964 Gen Xers, a reasonably small group known as the middle generation, are born between 1965 and 1979Millennials, the largest and most influential generation, are born between 1980 and 1996Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, will be the most educated and diverse and account for 30% of the workforce by 2030. |
| This insightful article from Fast Company focuses on the communication differences between Millennials and Gen Z, and they are worth noting: Transparency and Honesty: Both generations value open, honest communication, and Millennials especially appreciate it when you share data and facts.Meaningful Conversations: Don’t waste millennials’ time with meaningless meetings. Be present for Gen Z. They need to feel valued and included.Communication Channels: Millennials prefer face-to-face or email communication, while Gen Z is more comfortable with Slack or IM. 60% of Gen Z “dread accepting a phone call.”Out-of-work Communication: 38% of Millennials are okay with being contacted by a boss outside of regular business hours, while most Gen Z workers prioritize family and relationships over career.Formality and Language: Gen Z prefers a more casual style of communication, including the use of acronyms, slang, and digital language, while Millennials tend to be more in the middle, as older generations use more formal language in the workplace. To summarize this article: “Both millennials and Gen Z workers have their own unique ways of communicating. Their casual and direct conversation can be mistaken for a lack of professionalism, but I believe this is an oversimplification. Ultimately, so long as they get the work done, your job as a leader or coworker is to collaborate and engage team members of all generations. The key is to figure out how to engage each generation and ensure that they’re happy in their role and working to their fullest.” Read Millenials and Gen Z Workers Communicate Differently. Here’s How. |
| #wisewords “The most aggravating thing about the younger generation is that I no longer belong to it.” — Albert Einstein |
| And Finally… |
| As I wrote this newsletter, I read this fascinating article Your Gen Z Employee Isn’t Fooled by Your Compliment Sandwich in the Wall Street Journal. The tagline says it all – “sharing constructive feedback with the next generation requires an approach based on respect,” what they refer to as “wise feedback.” Their advice is to give feedback that starts with sharing that you care about the person, see their potential, and want to support their growth. Then, provide specific direct feedback. |
| What is your communication superpower when talking with your boss, colleagues, team members, or children? Are you a curious listener, incredibly respectful, or fully present with them? What can you improve at? Can you be more aware of the actual time you send emails to colleagues, more thoughtful about picking up the phone, or more transparent with others when things go sideways? |
