MARCH, 2007                                                                     Newsletter

The "Me" Generation - The Baby Boomers

Last month we looked at The Traditionalist Generation – born between 1900 and 1945; the youngest ones are phasing into retirement or at least giving it serious consideration and now we move to the Baby Boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964.

The Boomers were the largest generation in history – over 80 million in population and that shaped some of their characteristics.  They are highly competitive.  With so many others in the same age group they had to be the best to be accepted at the college of their choice, to get the job of their choice and to be promoted.  They developed ‘Best’ mindsets – ‘best’ toys, ‘best’ cars, ‘best’ houses, ‘best’ neighborhoods, ‘best’ schools’, ‘best’ jobs and on and on and on. 

The “Me” generation has tremendous self-confidence; many were better educated than their parents, in many cases the first in their family to attend college.  As part of that ego – they need to protect that ego.  Looking good is very important to them.  They need to perform their job functions (and other activities) in a way that is good enough to ‘look good’; maybe not ‘award winning’ but they hate to make appear foolish. 

They define themselves by their work.  They generally answer the introductory questions by stating what they do or their work title.  They don’t plan to retire – like the prior generation – they are ‘retooling’ to start a new career or do what they want without concern for the money.  (The ad with Dennis Hopper is right on the mark for this generation – they like to think they have gone from just rebellious to responsible rebellion)

Pointers in working with a Boomer:

1. Recognize their ego; recognize their successes and experience and achievements

2. Help them look good – to themselves and their bosses.  Offer your support and partnership to get the job done – don’t wait to be asked (they aren’t good at asking for help)

3. Choose face-to-face conversation whenever possible.  The older portion has adapted to the technology but they still believe personal conversation is best.

4. Take notes.  When you ask for advice or they are giving instructions; take notes – it helps them feel that you are paying attention.

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Practical Tip March/April, 2007

Each month we will post a simple little tip you can practice for the next 30 days. Try them out and see if they don't improve your communication, relationships and work life!

Prepare your message

Being understood is a matter of time management.  That seems strange but the excuse for poor communication is often ‘not having time to prepare’.  The real issue is taking/making the time to carefully consider the message and the audience.

There are only a few communication situations that truly are ‘at the last minute’.  When giving employees instructions on how to perform a particular task, or requesting special consideration in a situation, or talking to a client about a claim being denied or a payment that is late or coaching an employee to help them achieve the desired success – these are all situations that can, and should be planned in advance. 

Understand who is receiving the message.  Anticipate their response, questions, concerns or rebuttals and prepare accordingly.  Present your message in the terms of the audience – not what makes sense to you.

Spend the next 30 days considering your communication situations and begin to anticipate how your message could be received or misunderstood.  Manage your time to improve your communication skills.

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