On today’s podcast, we talked about the generational differences with communication styles and outlined steps we all can take to be more effective communicators.

You can download this episode from Itunes or Stitcher or listen below.  Check out our breakdown of the conversation.

Through Kate and Rob’s book research, they found that nearly every point of contention or misunderstanding either was a communication problem, or could be solved through an adjustment in communication.  

Millennials grew up communicating digitally, constantly, and probably most notably – with a voice. More than any other generation, we had platforms and channels to get our opinions out there, and we were given more opportunities to do so.

Speaking with people of older generations, they weren’t accustomed to giving their opinion at work or speaking up with their ideas in meetings. The expectation was you keep your head down and do your job and let the senior executives do the talking.

Due to the major differences in communication styles there seems to be a lot of miscommunication about intentions.

Our advice for Millennials to bridge the communication gap:

• Consider your audience.  Think about the big picture and don’t go in guns blazing
• Don’t complain to hear yourself complain.  Before you say anything, think of a possible solution.  No one wants to hear you always complaining and not being productive
• Identify and mirror the communication style of your boss
• Review communications from the last month and reflect on how they went and what you can improve on

Our advice for non-Millennials to bridge the communication gap with your Millennial employees:

• Identify ways to train them on soft skills as they have not had the depth and breadth of experience you have
• Consider weekly check-ins to ensure you are both on the same page and set mutual goals
• Give more real-time feedback and let them know both when they have a good or bad idea

Suggested Resources

9 Powerful Tips for Communicating Better with Millennials

2 Reasons Why Millennial Leaders Struggle with Communication and How to Help Them

Millennial Reboot 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

• Author
• Recent Posts

Alissa Carpenter

Workplace Communication Speaker and Trainer at Everything's Not OK and That's OK

Alissa Carpenter is the Owner of Everything’s Not Ok and That’s Ok, author of How to Listen and How to Be Heard: Inclusive Conversations at Work, TEDx speaker, and host of Humanize Your Workplace.She works directly with organizations to bridge communication gaps across generations, job functions, and geography and has worked with non-profits to multi-billion-dollar enterprises.She has an MEd in Social and Comparative Analysis in Education, is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and is certified in the Strong Interest Inventory and Myers Briggs Type Indicator.Alissa has been featured on ABC, CBS, NPR, FOX, Forbes, and quoted in multiple media outlets including CNN Money and Fast Company.

Latest posts by Alissa Carpenter (see all)

• Cultivating Relationships - July 20, 2021
• Empowering Our People - July 13, 2021
• Finding Purpose - July 6, 2021