Your Communication Preference
What communication preferences do you have that might not be part of "your generation"?
As a Generation X'er, I believe follow the communication styles of the other generations. I incorporate the Traditionalist styles of prefering face to face scheduled meetings with others. I also use body language when I communicate, similar to the Baby Boomers, and I utilize social networking communication, much like the Millenials. Although I am a representative of my generation, I find a lot of the other generations preferences within my daily communcation styles.
Hi Christine. Thank you for the response to your communication preferences. I'm curious, are these adaptations you make to connect with others or natural preferences in general?
In addition, what do you believe influences your preferences outside your generational description?
I also incorporat different style when communicating. Sometimes it is relative to the generation I am communicating with, for example when communicating with my own children or students I use text, social media, or email. When communicating with my boss I use email or phone or face to face. However, there have been times when I have communicated with a traditionalist via social media and emails.
Excellent Melissa! You certainly understand that your flexibility in understanding preferences of the generations must also be adapted based on individual preferences. Some younger/Millennials may prefer a telephone call although it's not as "typical". The key is you are informed and educated in a variety of communiction modes so you have a choice.
i enjoy emails or texting. i do prefer to be kept in the loop even by phone calls.
So it sounds as if you have several communication preferences, right? That's a great think, Michael, as it gives you flexibility. Think about those who only will communicate one way (by telephone for example). They may be missing out on a lot of really great communications by others who don't choose to use the phone. Do you adapt how you communicate to fit others communication preferences even if it's not part of what you prefer?
Absolutely part of helping others is adapting to the ways that they prefer to communicate. It makes it easier on them so I'm very flexible
Flexibility in communication gives you unlimited potential to connect with others. This is what we call "requisite variety". Believe it or not, there are some who don't have the flexibility you do and they miss out on lots of opportunities. So keep up the good work!
As a Gen Xer, flexibility for is definitely key. By being in Admissions, it is essential to be able to adapt and conenct with the communication style of the prospective student.
Great insight, Allan. Flexibility is definitely a great skill to have - expecially in admissions. Do you have any specific examples of adapting to a student based on their communication style? Would be great to learn what you do!
As a Millenial I do see that I have some qualities of a Baby Boomer. Those qualities would be that I do not mind being called at home after work or during a day off. I also like to be be rewarded for my "job" well done.
That's great awareness to have, Katie. Isn't it interesting to see how certain traits/qualities transcend generations? I imagine that your colleagues and students appreciate the fact that you make yourself available outside of the office, too! Keep up the good work.
I very often communicate by text or by social media but I would not call it a preference in communication but rather a necessity.
Interesting point Adalinda. Do you find it necessary to communicate that way because of convenience or because that is how other people are communicating? Technology has drastically changed the way people are communicating these days.
I enjoy social media and use it a lot in my personal and professional life. One thing though that I don't agree with is using social media or texting to communicate official business. One of the questions asked how we should notify a student they've been accepted to a school. I think that it is inappropriate to send them a text message saying they have been admitted. Maybe I'm just old-school though! :)
I am part of the baby boomer generation. However, I enjoyed to be contacted through social media website or text messages. We need to keep in mind that each person is different and their communication preferences may not always be part of their generation.
Sara, you raise an interesting point here. When is it OK to use the advanced communication and technology and when is it unprofessional? Because students today are different than they were in the past, perhaps each student can direct the type or level at which you communicate. Have you used or seen a text message regarding school acceptance before? How did the student respond?
Absolutely, Stephany! It sounds like you've used your own personal awareness about yourself and applied that knowledge to how it might impact your communication with others. That's awesome and I imagine this awareness has allowed you greater opportunities to connect with people from all generations.
Even as a Millennial, I tend to naturally speak very directly and prefer to speak face to face like traditionalists. In admissions, it’s important embrace all ways of communications because the person I’m speaking with may be in one generation but communicate like another. So, I think it’s important to adapt to each person individually.
