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How many times have you heard "you're too old to understand" or "this was before your time"?
Thankfully, there are a few simple strategies that can improve theefficiency, clarity, and quality of communicationbetween different generations at work.
Develop Generational Awareness
Be aware of how each generation (tends to) prefer to communicate: this is key to getting your message across!
Boomers
formal and direct
in-person, phone, or email
value background info
Millennials
authentic and fast
text, chat, email, or Instagram
value efficiency and digital-first approach
Gen X
informal and flexible
email, phone, or text
value professional etiquette
Gen Z 
transparent and visual
face-to-face, Snapchat, FaceTime
value video and mobile-only approach
Tailor & Mirror Communication
Match the message to the channel.
Emails and chats are great for short announcements or news.
Video chat or in-person meetings are great for brainstorming or for discussing sensitive information.
When replying always try to mirror the communication channel. Replying by email to a DM, for example, breaks the communication flow.
Quiz
Michael is a Baby Boomer who just joined your team. Which method would likely be the best way to communicate with him?
Baby Boomers are likely to prefer more formal communication, especially in-person meetings. Remember that these are tendencies though and each person is unique - perhaps Michael really would prefer texting or an Instagram DM. Unfortunately, Pigeon Post isn't an option we have access to.
Did you know?
Rumie is a nonprofit community dedicated to making innovative learning free for everyone.
Encourage Collaboration & Mentoring
Generation Z and Millennials have grown up alongside the technology we use daily. Many have a knack for innovation and "making things work".
Generation X and Baby Boomers started working prior to such technology and may bring strong interpersonal skills that help teams gel.
Quiz
Which questions might be good to ask when developing a team agreement regarding communication channels?
These are all great questions to ask! Creating an agreement will tailor your communication strategy to your unique team.
Take Action
Commit to improving communication on your multigenerational team this week!
This Byte has been authored by
Greg Beaudry
Senior Fraud Analyst
Fiona Ha
Senior Accountant
Rashmikaa Sethu Madhavan
Analytics and Insights Analyst
Lori Franze
Director, Collector Engagement
Enrique Molano
Product Manager