Ashley, that is a great point. When we only communicate in one way, we will reach only those who communicate that way as well. By being flexible and adapting to your prospective student's communication preference, you have a greater chance of building rapport.
It is interesting that I am a Millennial and share a lot of the qualities of the baby boomer generation. Maybe because one of my parents are from the generation.
Anyway, I enjoy all off the communication styles of the Millennial generation but also enjoy meeting face to face and without a doubt enjoy hearing that my work is valued and respected.
Looks like you try to incorporate a bit of each generation in your style. Keep it up, I'm sure it's appreciated.
Although I am not a Gen X I do want to get ahead now and I look for rapid results. However I like texting and emails, but I do think a phone call is sometimes best. Conversations can be taken out of context in an email or text at times.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Elizabeth. I get the sense that you recognize the benefit of utilizing a variety of communication preferences in order to connect with people. This is a great approach, especially since some individuals may actually identify with the characteristics of another generation rather than their own. Keep up the good work!
I prefer the traditionalist approach to communication. I think this is because I am a fast paced worker who likes to get things done. When I am in work mode, I like for people to stick to the facts. So to speak.
This is great insight, Josh. It sounds like you prefer to get to the heart of the matter regarding work and projects rather than spending a great deal of time on conversation outside of your focus. I'm sure your team appreciates your focus and dedication to getting the job done. If you were in a situation where you had to work closely with someone who preferred to chat a bit before getting to work related conversations, how might you adapt your style to ensure your effectiveness as a team?
I think I am able to pick up when someone is trying to small talk. And while I do not always enjoy that sort of thing, I adapt to doing it because relationships are important. To answer your question, I remind myself that small talk is important to relationships.
Excellent awareness, Josh. Small talk is a great way to build rapport and you're right, it's important as you're building a relationship with another person. It's good that you know that it's not necessarily your favorite thing to do but you adapt to accomodate the other person in order to develop a relationship.
I appreciate the traditionalist mode of communication the more that I think about it. When I am in work mode I like to get things done quickly,I like that they tend to be direct. Direction of communication seems to be trait shared between traditionalist and X'ers in my experience.
Interesting insights, Josh. Isn't it great when you can draw comparisons between generations? We have so much to learn from each! How do you believe this awareness will help you in future communications?
I think the more knowledge you have of who you are speaking with can help you communicate even more effectively. This lesson has helped me immensely in being able to understand the different styles of communication, with an awareness that many people fall into different styles irrespective of their generation designation. Knowing these tendencies will help me to get my point across in a way that is comfortable to the person I am addressing.
Thank you for sharing, Josh. It looks like the awareness that you've gained will help you in a variety of ways. It sounds like you make a conscious effort moving forward to understand another individuals style of communication and try to adapt when necessary. I'm sure you'll see an improvement in getting your message across as well as the connections you form with others. All the best to you as you move forward.
I am generation x and my favorite way to communicate with friends and family is through text and email. I also use social media to keep in touch with friends from my high school and college days. I am much like a traditionalist in that I do not like when people just drop by I prefer to shedule a meeting ahead of time because I feel more prepared.
Richard, thanks for sharing. That is great awareness. I'm curious, how does your preference of communicating through e-mails and text messages work within the context of work and your students?
Shannon Gormley
I use emails on a daily basis and Prospective students respond very well to them. Its very common for me to email applications as well as directions through email. I find that email works well because many of my students have limited minutes on there phones and alot of times I run into disconnected numbers. I do not use text at work however I feel it would be beneficial in contacting generation X and Millenails.
Richard, thanks for sharing your preferences. It looks like you are using the communcation modality that is best for the student. Great approach!
Shannon Gormley
I THINK THAT MY GENERATION MIGHT NOT MAKE USE OF E-MAILING, TEXTING AND CHATTING ON THE INTERNET WHICH I ENJOYED VERY MUCH.I LEARNED SO MUCH FROM ALL TYPES OF PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD.
YVETTE,
There's many interesting insights that can be gained by looking at the characteristics of each generation. Being aware of your own preferences and how they may or may not align with the generation you're "grouped" into can help you connect with other generations in a different way.
Shannon Gormley
I am a millennial, but I do prefer documented correspondences. Letters, memos, emails, etc. I like to have things for my records.
