4 Legit Ways To Bridging The Generational Communication Gap

Since technology rules the world, communication become a significant problem among humans. Tend to engage with the materialistic thing even when we don't need to. It is not just a matter of technology, it is a matter of time which we don't value.

My team and I recently discussed a trend concerning feedback received from our clients this past year. Many employees have returned to the office and resumed their pre-pandemic in-person work; one problem appears worse in all of them

A communication gap, people get weak in communication they have nothing to say, nothing to make their conversation better than it should be. It creates a slippery slope of unintended consequences that could cost Gen-Z professionals and the companies they work for.

Many companies are eager to see the creative ideas younger employees will bring to their industries, but some experienced professionals fret about Gen-Z needs to build the soft skills to connect and communicate those ideas effectively.

Successful communication helps your message get through. Your communication must be clear and deliver in every aspect you are trying to convey. No half-baked knowledge, ambiguity, no uncertainty, and misunderstanding creep in.

Gen-Z is arguably the most technologically advanced generation in history, but it is possible it came at a cost. Excessive screen time, exacerbated by two and half years of Covid-19 lockdown, cheated many in this age group of opportunities to develop the soft skills needed to engage with others in an influential way.

Organizations can bridge communication gaps and invest in long-term employee and organizational success in several ways.

In some organizations, some of those in the prior generation assume Gen-Z tends to disconnect from the real world, settle entire days using phones, strain their eyes just for the sake of entertainment or desolate somewhat, Lack of productiveness, while some Gen-Z employees feel unheard or unrecognized for their knowledge. As a result, younger professionals may seek other employee and organizational success in several ways.

#1 Broaden The Communication

Most Gen-Z has grasped knowledge in technical jargon but this is not the essential way to foster communication, empathy, and collaboration among people of different age groups. They must have acquired the communication skill that is the crux of the communication gap. Instead of connecting via Zoom meeting and Google Meet, encourage them to connect with face-to-face meetings. Young professionals have a great chance to convey their message with interpretation and without fear. Also, it entitles them to be more confident in the same place. If you are managing a hybrid workforce, this can be tricky.

To broaden communication, allow Gen-Z to meet with colleagues in person so they gain experience, learn from watching and invest in fostering workplace connections.

#2 Active Listener

Active listeners, in the first place, whether younger or older age group don't matter when it is about soft skills. Communication is the major factor in Gen-Z which most people don't even realize. In any workplace, we should encourage open and clear communication that makes no difference in age or generation. Being attentive is prepping for conversation and building assertive communication.

#3 Never Stop Learning. Never Stop Guiding.

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”

John Quincy Adams

It truly doesn't matter how successful you are, leading a team is all about learning, enhancing, and succeeding together. Even the most successful professional athletes, musicians or any role requires genuine feedback. Anyone is open to giving feedback when delivered in a way they understand and by someone, they can relate to. Why do we need feedback? How does it work in every aspect?

It stimulates you to correct or improve your performance. It strengthens open communication between two people. Gen-Z needs advice experienced professionals can offer delivered in a way they positively received. Like any other experienced leader set an example to encourage Gen-Z and others to learn soft skills needed to successfully engage with others.

#4. Identify the commonalities

It doesn't matter where you belong; everyone wants to be heard. Everyone wants respect in the workplace and the ability to influence others. The outcome we all desire is the same. How do we know what motivates us individually?

Take time to observe, learn and understand.

Bring your team together and see good things in them, treat them like a friend, let them show your emotions positively, be open-minded, and listen to them attentively. Encourage employees to interview each other to find out what they value most at work, at home and in life. Prompt your team to connect in a way that encourages conversation and connectedness organically.

Our multigenerational workplace is more diverse than ever, requiring leaders to get creative and motivated to foster productive employee relationships. Strong communication skills are the key. Don't be discouraged by a generational communication gap; driving long-term organized and individual success when age doesn't matter and is one common outcome.