Michael, thanks for sharing this. I'm curious, what about your environment helped shape this style?
Dr. Jean Norris
I definitely belong to the Generation X. The rise of technology has transformed the way we communicate. Emails and other means of communication have become an important tool in reaching out to people. In addition, from a contextual standpoint, I have to understand my environment and the situations in which I am through feedback and information. Furthermore, my values and upbringing obligate me to care for my parents, as well as my children. Education, work and other activities are an integral part of the equation, which requires flexibility.
Ferline, thanks for your insight here. So what does this mean when you communicate with other generations?
Dr. Jean Norris
I am Generation X but I can relate with Millennials with my workplace and techlogical advance. It is just to adjust or blend in to each style when a communication begins.
I'm generation X, but I feel that I relate very well to both Boomers & Millennium generations. I have 3 younger siblings that are millennium babies and I've always had to keep up with them and their ways of learning and socializing. I also relate well to boomers because I've always been an older soul and I have worked in the professional world since I was very young and learned along the way how many different types of generations relate to work, school & life.
Jessica, it sounds like you use your personal connections in order to reach other generations. What a great technique. Keep it up.
Dr. Jean Norris
My style is Genetration X. It's because of my creativity, independence and concern for having a good quality of worklife.
I relate pretty much evenly with all 4 generations. I think that might be due to the heavy influence of all 4 generations within my family and how close we are to each other. It's hard to identify more with the generalities of one more than another.
Thanks Wendal. So based on this awareness, how are you able to connect with other generational styles?
Dr. Jean Norris
Stephanie, that's great awareness. So, I'm curious, how would this affect your ability to connect with the different styles.
Dr. Jean Norris
I would say even though I'm technically in the Gen X category, I feel I fall more into the style of a Traditionalist to some degree large in part to my parents.
My generational style is definitely a blend of Baby Boomer and Gen X. By my birth date, I'm a Gen X-er, but my 5 (much older) siblings are Baby Boomers. I like to be kept in the loop with what's going on and email is usually the best mode of contact. But when I'm learning I need to watch the instructor's body language and like questions to be answered in detail with the availability to have a discussion about it. Not just with the instructor, but with the group or class.
Joseph, interesting point. Based on this, you have the great ability to connect with more generation types.
Dr. Jean Norris
I suppose a cross between generation X and Millenials. Mostly generation X because of my ethinicity background and influence from my parents. As a Brazilian woman I feel I can relate with the sandwich generation because we trully take care of our parents and children. In my culture it is rare to find a family that will place their parents in nursing homes. The influence of Millenials comes from the years of which I grew up in, and the media influences. I believe in team work and positive reinforcements.
Erica,
You sound like a busy person. How does the awareness of your generational style help you in your work?
Dr. Jean Norris
My generational style is Baby Boomer all the way! I scored a 14, one point above Traditionalist! I think your points that describe connecting with Boomers is spot on, at least fo me. I don't care to be communitacated with via controlling language and body language does seem important to me. Details are important and I do like options. Being raised with four siblings by parents of the Traditionalist generation and their parents, all from the generation before, being a child in the 1960's, I believe have all contributed to my generational style.
Geoffrey,
Isn't it interesting how our styles are a function of our environment?
Dr. Jean Norris
Yes indeed...it is interesting to stop for a bit and examine how we operate and consider why our styles are the way they are. It is eye opening!
My generational style has a very heavy influence of baby boomers it totally fits the birth year. I also an influ of generation X. I belive that the influx of x has been greatly contributed to the fact that i have been working with that partlicilar group for the best few decades and a I have 2 children from that generation and 2 more children from the millennial style.
It seems that your children are providing an influence on your style. How do you think this benefits you in the work place?
