Building bridges, breaking stereotypes: Navigating generational differences at work

Ah, the joys of workplace communication! Trying to communicate effectively with a multi-generational team is like trying to navigate a corn maze blindfolded.

Before we dive into the circumstances that cause miscommunication among the generations, let's hit the pause button on our devices and explore workplace communication, ways to find common ground and learn how to effectively coexist.

I once heard a famous talk show host suggest that we should walk toward what makes us feel alive. For many of us, this is more complex than it appears.

In navigating the minefields of professional development, I’ve learned a lot about how to live life and how to maneuver it (and plenty after age 50).

Here are some lessons we’ll call Waite’s Words of Wisdom that apply to personal and professional success. One of the most important of these is effective communication, which can make or break relationships, collaborations, and careers.

This success begins with knowing yourself. For instance, it’s important to be able to name at least three qualities you like about yourself and five things you're really good at.

This not only boosts your own confidence but also demonstrates credibility and capability about yourself to others. And when it comes to communicating with people from different generations, self-awareness becomes even more important.

Understanding your own communication style can help you work more effectively with people from different generations.

As I've gained more experience in navigating the professional world, I've come to appreciate the value of face-to-face communication, while also recognizing the benefits that technology can bring.

An academic conference highlighted this for me when a younger colleague who stood 40 feet away sent me a text message, “Do you want to meet in 20 minutes?” I looked at her and said, “Yes.”

Despite being in such close proximity, I realized that this was her preferred communication channel in a busy setting. I learned that sometimes I need to put my judgment in "time out" like a hyper toddler and appreciate that others have their own ways of doing things. Otherwise, I might have missed out on a productive meeting and fun day with my colleague.

As a side note, my colleague's productivity skills are like a ninja warrior; she can strike message keys with lightning speed and precision. Watching her in action made me realize the importance of understanding effective styles for different settings and communication channels.

Let’s consider what different generations contribute. It's easy to label the boomers, millennials, Gen X, Y, Z, and the new Gen Alpha. When you strip away at the stereotype, the identity is not related to the calendar year, but somewhat involves events and conditions that we experienced in our formative years.

Baby boomers had different teenage experiences than today's young professionals. For instance, boomers watched men land on the moon and Gen X watched the Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy, so we think differently.

Here is another illustration, boomers fought back. Dr. King fought back. Women fought back. Other oppressed people fought back. These experiences shaped communication habits and preferences. Yet, it’s kind of fascinating that the generations share optimism.

Boomers are not resisters of change; they are catalysts of it. We want our kids to show us how to use technology and then in return, mom or dad will show their young adult how to write a résumé. It's a win-win.

Many members of Gen X, Y and Z are optimistic about the future of technology and its potential to solve some of the world's biggest problems such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, climate change, poverty and disease. They are forward thinkers who readily embrace diversity and believe that different perspectives can lead to more innovative and effective solutions.

Generations also encountered violence differently. Boomers experienced war and protest. Younger generations experience a kid at the desk next to them with a gun. Again, these shape our communication behaviors and preferences. You get the point.

Starting with the awesome boomers, they are convinced that a phone call is generally the best way to communicate. They are also fond of acronyms (FYI, ASAP, LOL) and will use them frequently.

Want to get an important message across to a boomer? Consider reaching for the phone instead of sending an email, and if you do choose to use email, make sure you include some of those favorite acronyms to get your point across.

Next, are the Gen Xers. This generation grew up with computers and email technology, but they can still remember life before the internet. They balance technology and face-to-face communication effectively. They may recall waiting for dial-up to connect with one foot in the digital world and the other foot somewhere in 1980.

Then there are the marvelous multitasking millennials who were practically born holding a smartphone. Messaging and texting via their social pages are their preferred communication style. They are the masters of memes and heroes of the hashtag.

Generation Alpha, (born between 2010 and 2025), is the youngest generation and their technology and communication habits are still unfolding. In his book, "Speaking Across Generations," author Darrell Hall suggests that to Gen-A, technology is not just one thing, it is EVERYthing!

They are the first generation to grow up entirely in the digital age and are more likely to communicate almost exclusively via technology. Instant gratification is all they know due to on-demand services, which may make them less patient than previous generations in all areas of life.

Of course, these are general observations and exceptions exist. It's most important to know that communication among generations can certainly be a challenge, but it doesn't have to be a brick wall. So, let's all raise a slice of avocado toast to bridge the generational gap.

Who knows, with a little bit of empathy and a lot of emojis, maybe the generations will finally understand each other's slang — and that's “lit!”

Lisa Waite is communication studies professor at Kent State University at Stark. She can be reached at lawaite@kent.edu.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Lisa Waite: How to navigate generational differences in the workplace