Communicating Across Generations

Raise your hand if you're either managing people or have teammates spanning from Gen Z to Baby Boomers. Got your hand up? Good, you’re in the right place. Now, keep it raised if you find it tricky to hit the mark when delivering the same message to everyone. Still up? You're not alone—this is a common hurdle, and it's exactly what a recent client brought to our table at Unapologetic. Their issue? Struggling to connect across generational lines.

At Unapologetic, we're not fans of putting everyone in the same box. We see people as individuals first—sounds pretty obvious, right? But here’s the kicker: if you don’t give cross-generational communication the attention it demands, you’re not just at risk of being a poor leader or teammate; you're likely to be ineffective.

Here’s the 2024 reality: your messages need to resonate with a broader audience. Our experience from countless communication workshops shows clear differences in how generations receive information. For instance, Baby Boomers often take new policies from leadership in stride, as just part of the drill. Gen Xers, on the other hand, they dig deeper—they want the "why" behind decisions and they want in on the conversation that shapes these decisions. And our younger folks? They aren't fans of top-down communication; they thrive in environments where they're part of the dialogue.

So, what’s the play?

When you can't sit down with everyone, and not everyone can weigh in, consider dual messaging streams. Start with a unified message, then quickly follow up with more personalized interactions, especially with younger team members.

 Let them ask their burning questions and share how the changes affect them. For broader impact, why not ask your team in advance how they prefer to receive big announcements? Tailoring your approach can make a world of difference in how messages are received and embraced. 

At Unapologetic, we live by the creed that "talk isn't cheap"—it’s invaluable. Communication should be as intentional as a strategic plan, crafted with your audience in mind. Want to ensure your message doesn't just speak but resonates across your organization? Contact us at Unapologetic. Why hope for success when you can plan for it?

What strategies do you use to communicate effectively across different generations? Drop your thoughts below—we’d love to hear from you!