Leadership and Communication: How Each Generation Communicates

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Leadership and Communication A leader’s age and generation plays a significant role in the way they communicate. When different generations come together they bring with them their own worldviews and expectations. An effective leader is able to step out of their generational preferences and customize the way they communicate to the other generations. By effectively addressing and taking advantage of those unique generational differences they can bridge the generations together to create a collaborative, innovative and exciting work environment resulting in a highly productive and performing workforce. Generation Communication The way a leader communicates is dependent upon their generation “Research indicates that people communicate based on their generational backgrounds”. (Maxon 2005, p. 2). For the first time in history there are four generations of workers working side by side in the workplace. A dynamic leader will acknowledge generational diversity and learn how to effectively communicate with each of the different generations, by doing so this can eliminate many major conflicts and confusion amongst the generations. Generational disputes are becoming common in the workplace; misunderstandings may be enhanced by the use of technology, attitudes and work patterns of the different aged workers. “Different generational groups working closely together can be challenging at times. As both products of our chronological age and the time in which we grew up, people from different generations and age groups have rather different attitudes, values, beliefs and motivations from one another.” (Warner & Sandberg, 2010 p. 1). If a leader does not address the generational differences within their workforce it could have tremendous implica... ... middle of paper ... ...s for today’s leaders would begin with strong oral and written communication skills; the most effective way a leader communicates with the employees is by e-mail, since employees check their e-mail often they can communicate with them quickly but the employees also feel that the leaders are directly addressing them which can be motivating. Works Cited Maxon, R. (2005) Mixing and Managing Four Generations of Employees. Retrieved from http://www.fdu.edu/newspubs/magazine/05ws/generations.htm Mayhew, B. (2010) Multigenerational Characteristics. Retrieved from http://www.brucemayhewconsulting.com/index.cfm?PAGEPATH=&ID=20209 Mutiso, P. (2013) Communication and Leadership. Retrieved from http://mybusinesstricks.com/communication-and-leadership.html Warner, J., & Sandberg, A. (2010). Ready to Manage. Retrieved from http://w.kiwata.com/pdf/Generational-Leadership.pdf

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