As they say in real estate, your investment is all about location, location, location. In business, your investment is in communication, communication, communication. How we engage with each other (communicate) makes a difference to the bottom line. The rules of communication are being (or have been) rewritten by each generation. How we communicate (voice-mail, e-mail, text or tweet), when we communicate, and our expectation as to when we will get an answer will differ from generation to generation.
With the advancement in medicine and a greater emphasis on lifestyle, we have for the first time in history four generations in the workforce. Each generation has their own distinct way of communicating. For example, the radio babies or veterans (those individuals born between 1930-1945) communicated by memo’s and a rotary phone; their values are respect for authority and discipline. They don’t question authority.
The baby boomers (born 1946- 1964) grew up with touch tone phones and were open to “call me any time”. They are optimistic and involved with a “whatever it takes” attitude to get the job done.
Generation X (born 1965-1980) traits are skeptical, fun and informal. The cell phone is their life line, but call me only at work. Known as the “latch key” generation, they are cautious and conservative.
The fourth generation is Y (born 1984-2000), who are very social, confident, and realists seeking instant feedback. Communication is done via the internet, picture phones, text and e-mail.
Knowing your workforce and how they communicate is a key investment to a successful firm, no matter where your location.
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