Communicating Across Generations: How to Get Your Message Understood

This Webcast was recorded on October 15, 2008.

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How to Bridge the Generational Communication Gap

This is the first time in modern organizational history that Americans from four generations are being asked to work side by side:

• The Silent or Traditional Generation
• Baby Boomers
• Generation X
• Generation Y / Millennials

Each group has its own distinct characteristics, values and attitudes toward work. As they interact in the workplace, these differences can lead to misunderstandings and increased conflict.

To improve your interactions with them you’ll need to understand the fundamental differences between the generations and which communication methods work best with each.

What You Will Learn:

In this Webcast, you’ll gain research-based guidance that reveals what works and what doesn’t when you’re attempting to get your message across, including:

• Myths and reality about the various age groups
• Tips for handling conflict across generations
• Communication approaches that can bridge the gap
• Ways to provide constructive feedback to each group
• Training styles that work

About the Presenter:

Linda Gravett, PhD, SPHR, is a human resource management consultant and educator with over 20 years' experience in the field. She founded Gravett and Associates, a human resource development consulting firm in 1991 and is a lead consultant with Xavier Consulting Group, Xavier University. She is the author of HRM Ethics: Perspectives for a New Millennium and coauthor of Bridging the Generation Gap.

Robin Throckmorton, M.A., SPHR, a founding partner of e-HResources.com and president of Strategic Human Resources, Inc. For 15 years, she has been a consultant in the manufacturing, service, retail, educational and nonprofit industries. She is coauthor of Bridging the Generation Gap.

For additional training on this topic, consider these AMA seminars:

• Communicating with a Multigenerational Workforce (# 2212)
• Building Better Work Relationships: New Techniques for Results-Oriented Communication (#2235)
• How to Communicate with Diplomacy, Tact and Credibility Seminar (#2206)
• Responding to Conflict: Strategies for Improved Communication Seminar (#2115)

To learn more, read these AMACOM Books:

• Generations at Work: Managing the Clash of Veterans, Boomers, Xers, and Nexters in Your Workplace, by Ron Zemke, Claire Raines, and Bob Filipczak
• The "It" Factor, by Mark Wiskup
• The Age Curve, by Kenneth W. Gronbach