5 Ways to Communicate With Other Generations in the Business World

Back in 2015, I had the pleasure of being selected as a contributor for the PR News Book of Employee Communication. My topic, communicating with older generations in the workplace, was also published on PR News Online:

6 Tips for Millennials on Communicating with Older Generations

Here are my Dos and Don’ts for communicating with other generations in the workplace:

Do:

• Check your attitude at the door. Make sure you communicate in a positive and professional tone.
• Communicate your ideas with supporting facts. Your colleagues will be more likely to value your input when you share the knowledge behind it, especially if it’s going to be a new challenge for them.
• Investigate corporate culture. Find out how employees are already communicating with each other and use this as a base to start voicing your thoughts.

Don’t:

• Act like you know everything. You have great new ideas and views that you’re eager to share, but you can still learn a lot from your co-workers.
• Let yourself be millennial-shamed. You have tons to offer your company, so use your age as an ally. Communicate new trends and explain their value to your team.

Bonus Tip:

• Don’t forget in-person engagement. Your more experienced counterparts may be hiding behind emails. Try setting up an in-person session or video call for your next big meeting.