Learning Objectives

• Understand how they typify or deviate from their own generational communication style stereotype.
• Understand some errors they may commit in communication with members of a different generation.
• Describe how to enhance their own communication styles to be more effective with all generations.

Many of us are painfully aware of how generational diversity in the workplace has created potential barriers to leadership, communication and team building. Traditionalists (born 1922-1943) don't understand Baby Boomers (born 1943-1960) who scorn Generation X'ers (born 1960-1980) who can't stand Millenials (born 1980-2000). Each group shares sets of values along with communication styles based on their collective life experiences and their exposure to technological advances.

In the recent election, one candidate admitted his lack of technological savvy while the other confessed to his Blackberry addiction. “Talking to the Txting Genraton” will examine four clips from recent Hollywood and independent films as a context for understanding:

• What are the values and predominant communication styles of each of these groups?
• How do these styles cause conflict among the group?
• What common communication errors do Boomers and X'ers (the congress audience) continually make and how can they be avoided?
• What tricks can Boomers and X'ers learn to enhance leadership and communication with Traditionalists and Millenials?