Communicating across generations

For the first time in American history, we have four generations in the work force simultaneously. Each one communicates and processes information differently. Whether you lead a team with younger co-workers or are positioning your company to work with multi-generational clients, understanding these differences in values, priorities, and approach to work-life balance is essential for your organization to be agile, remain relevant and retain younger employees and clients.

The following are five generalizations that the baby boomer generation may make, along with possible strategies and expectations employees of this generation could employ when speaking with younger professionals and clients from Generation X, Y and Millennials. These groups represent the younger workers born after the baby boomers.

1. Communicate values
Contrary to popular belief, younger generations aren't any more shallow than previous generations. In fact, they're some of the most values-driven members of our society. They crave meaning in their work, just like you do. It's not enough to explain the what and how of a young professional's work. You must show them the why by communicating the meaning behind it. You'll be surprised at just how responsive they'll be.