There is no doubt that the mother of all soft skills is communication. Without it, ideas do not flow. Without the right words that empathize between what is said and what we mean there is no creativity, innovation, excellence, in short, there is nothing. All part of the way we decided to communicate: the channels, the attention that the receiver gives to the issuer, the feedback from which he received the message and the way in which we completed the circle of giving and receiving information. Of course, the communicative process has evolved and what was previously the common, today is the strange. The times and movements, customs, channels and language have changed. From the letter to WhasApp messages there is an arc that draws this diversity. All these aspects must be taken into account to have effective communication. And, there is even more.
In the current panorama of organizations, the coexistence of people of different generations is a daily reality. This generational wealth is much more than a variety of ages, it is a universe of complex worlds that live daily. This implies a diversity of values, work styles, ways of conceiving authority and interpreting the world. Effective professional communication between people of different generations stands, then, as an essential bridge for organizational success and personal growth.
If we want our projects to advance and that our companies do not become a Tower of Babel version 21st century, we must pay attention. All, since today Baby Boomers converge, people born before 1964, generation X, people born between 1965 and 1979, millennials who were the ones who arrived in the world between 1980 and 1994, generation Z boys who were born between 1995 and 2005. each with their interest influence. Each of these groups have rooted values – which do not share with those of other generations -, ways of handling money, socializing, etc. Humanity and its segments are diverse and has marked differences that, if not attended, can generate very important communication gaps.
The most powerful people in the world are Baby Boomers: Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Benjamín Netanyahu. Those who moved technology in the world are: Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, Bill Gates and the one that marked an era in entertainment: Oprah Winfrey. In generation X we have very influential people such as Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Emmanuel Macron, Santiago Creel, Xóchitl Gálvez. Famous millennials are very popular: Mark Zuckerberg, Rihanna, Taylor Swift. Among the young Centennials are Timothèe Chalamet, Greta Thunberg, Addison Rae. In this pastiche of diversities there are communication channels that are blocked. Imagine a dialogue between Thunberg and Trump costs us work.
One of the main challenges in intergenerational communication lies in the differences in perception and use of technological tools. While people belonging to previous generations can give greater weight to face to face, formality and protocols, who have grown in the digital era often prefer the immediacy, flexibility and informality offered by electronic means. However, this apparent gap can be transformed into an opportunity if mutual opening and learning are promoted. There are not correct or better, there is a kind of hole that must be settled in respecting the individuality of each generation.
Intergenerational effective professional communication requires, above all, empathy. The first step takes place when the experiences of each person mold their expectations and communicative styles to avoid misunderstandings and tensions. To achieve this, it is necessary to hear actively, without assumptions or previous judgments. Allow ideas to be transmitted clearly and enrich themselves with different perspectives. And, as the famous philosopher Cantinflás said “there is the detail, Chato.”
Therefore, it is essential to establish spaces for dialogue where all voices are valued. Organizations that promote intergenerational meetings, cross mentoring and collaborative projects encourage the transfer of knowledge, innovation and the sense of belonging. The wisdom and experience that those who have been in the workplace for more time with the energy, creativity and technological mastery of the youngest people have been complement. I am a faithful witness of the efficiency and good results of these processes.
The next essential step we need to give is adaptability in channels and forms of communication. Leaders and team members must be willing to use varied tools, from face -to -face meetings to instant messages, choosing the most appropriate environment according to the objective and the public. This flexibility not only facilitates the flow of information, but also shows respect for the preferences and needs of those who are part of the group. Of course, it is necessary to make clear what the policies and protocols are for the use of each channel. A follow -up meeting can be given by video conference, a resignation is never presented by WhatsApp. It seems obvious and is not.
Constructive feedback is another pillar of intergenerational professional communication. Giving and receiving comments in a respectful and growth -oriented way contributes to continuous improvement, strengthens trust and encourages the culture of permanent learning. Recognizing achievements and providing clear suggestions for professional development improves interaction in diverse environments. It is about having good ways, those that are learned from the cradle and that have little to see with technologies and age differences but with values.
Effective professional communication between generations is not an insurmountable challenge as many would like to raise. It is an opportunity to grow together. It involves cultivating listening, empathy, adaptability and recognition of the strengths that each generation provides. Only in this way organizations can make the most of their diversity, transforming differences into an innovation and shared success engine.
But, for this it is necessary to add one more ingredient: respect. Neither the centennials are the rookies who have nothing to contribute, nor are boomers the old men who should stay in the corner. Each generational stratum is stomping and has a very powerful radius of influence. Therefore, today more than ever, we must learn to live together, to listen to us, to pay attention. Those who understand so will have a competitive advantage.
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Twitter: @CecyDuranMena
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