My last four blogs discussed the personality traits of the four generations, as well as the most effective key words to use for each generation. Now that you understand these points, it's time to look at some generational nuances.

Family nuances
Birth order can have an influence on a generational personality. For example, I was born in 1965, so technically speaking, I'm the first year of Gen X. However, because I am the youngest of 8 children, I have Boomer tendencies since I followed my older siblings around the house, listened to their music and tried to act like them. However, if I had been the oldest of 8 children, I would be much more of a Gen X-er. Consequently, I call myself a 'Boomer/X', which means I have more Boomer tendencies than Gen X tendencies.

International nuances
Living overseas also influences a generational personality. In general, living overseas during the formative, teen years, even for a short period of time, tends to mature a child. So if someone has lived overseas, they tend to bump up to the earlier generation. For example, my husband was born in 1967, so he is definitely in the Gen X category. However, he grew up in Kenya, Africa. Therefore, although he definitely has a Gen X style, he has far more Boomer tendencies than his compatriots who were raised in the US. So I would call him an 'X/Boomer'.

Military nuances
Growing up in the military also influences a generational personality. Not only do children of military officers often live overseas, they also tend to be influenced by the military itself, which tends to be more traditional than mainstream America. So if someone is the child of a military officer, they also tend to bump up to the earlier generation. For example, Sean was born in 1970, so he is a solid Gen X'er. However, he not only grew up in the military, but he also went to West Point Academy. Therefore, he is an 'X/Boomer', with more Boomer traits than many of his Gen X friends.

Re-locating to the US
Many people tell me that they don't feel like the generation they were 'born into'. When we look into their formative years, it turns out that often they grew up overseas, moved to the US for college and later became a US citizen. So although they have lived in the US for more years than they lived in their place of birth, they still lived overseas during their formative years, which bumps them up a generation. Eileen, an Irish woman with an American accent said "I just don't get Gen X and I'm supposed to be one of them! I relate much better to colleagues older than myself." That's because Ireland is more traditional in many ways than the US; this type of tradition matured her and bumped her to become more of a 'Boomer/X'.

As you can see, there are many nuances that impact a person's generational personality. So rather than focusing on the year someone was born, instead focus on their personality and use the platinum rule. If they show Boomer traits, even though they are 35 years old, then speak Boomer-ese to them. And if they display Gen Y tendencies, even though they are 35, then speak Gen Y to them. You'll not only create a rapport and bond with them; you'll also use the language that best resonates with them, helping to create a more effective conversation.

In my last blog (see previous post: How to Speak So Gen X Will Listen), I discussed Gen X, the generation that was born between 1965-1980. In this blog, I'm going to discuss what events shaped the Gen Y psyche and what key words to use when talking with them. As a reminder:

Who are the four generations?

Traditionalists: Born between 1924-1945
Baby Boomers: Born between 1946-1964
Generation X: Born between 1965-1980
Generation Y: Born between 1981-2000

Each of these generations was influenced by certain events that shaped their psyche during their formative years. The formative years tend to take place 10-20 years after a person was born, so let’s look at the events that shaped Gen Y during their formative years.

Generation Y
Born between 1981-2000
Formative years between approx. 1992-present

Gen Y is also known as Millennials, Echo-Boomers, and the Net Generation. No matter what you call them, they are a powerful force of 79+ million (almost as big as the Baby Boomer generation). They were wired from day 1; consequently, they are called Digital Natives, while the rest of us are known as Digital Immigrants. This generation was born with a mouse in its hand and studies are showing that as a result, they process information differently than the other generations. What does this mean? Not only are they tech-savvy, they also expect everything to be "downloaded" immediately. They believe in instant gratification; if they can download a song, book, article or video immediately, why can't everything come as instantaneously?

Studies are showing that a 10-year old Gen Y has the maturity level of a 16-year old Boomer. Why? Because of globalization and instant, streamed news. They saw the planes crashing into the Twin Towers again and again. Any global event, both positive and negative, is online in seconds. Consequently, this generation is as diverse as the globe. When it comes to food choices, politics, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or religion, this generation sees itself as diverse as possible.

Not only did 9/11 impact Gen Y, but this generation also saw AIDs kill their friends and family. They were the first generation to have safety laws enforced...bike helmets, car seats, seat-belt laws, and strong drunk driving laws. The message from this was "You are special. We value you." Consequently, this generation value connections. They want to be part of a community...at home, at work and at play. They will work with their friends at the same company, if they feel it'll allow them more time with their community. So when someone complains "Why does Gen Y have to text me 10 times a day?!", I remind them that Gen Y values connection, and since they are hardwired, texting is their form of communication.

The .com boom and bust showed them that the corporate world can be unreliable. So this is a generation of entrepreneurs. They had a voice at "family meetings" from the age of 5, so they have the confidence to articulate their vision, the tech-skills to create their vision and the community to support them in their vision. So welcome to a generation of entrepreneurs and creative collaborators! Work and life balance is vital to a Gen Y; they saw their parents in the go-go 90's of the Internet boom and want more balance. So this entrepreneurial career path lets them do yoga at 4PM and work at midnight; it's all a continuum to them.

Now that you understand which events shaped this generation, and how Gen Y view the world, how can you best connect with them? You use key words that resonate with them. When you do this, they then feel understood and are willing to listen to you. You build rapport, so they will engage with you more willingly. If you continue to use their key words, you will have an effective conversation with them, simply by using their own language.

Key Words for Gen Y

*"Text now for..."
*Balance
*Diversity
*Community/connections

So if you’re trying to convince a Gen Y'er to launch a new website, you would say something like “This will bring together our different stakeholder communities. This feature will allow our members instant access to the information they need. It can be built in stages, so we don't have to work 80 hour weeks for the next 2 months."

You wouldn’t use the same language when trying to convince a Gen X, Boomer or Traditionalist to launch a new website. They have their own key words that resonate best with them. Yet using the Gen Y key words, and understanding the Gen Y psyche, will help you bridge the cultural gap.

Remember, you will not succeed when trying to change a generational perspective. You will only succeed when tailoring your pitch to each generation. In other words, speak their language. When you do this, they feel more connected to you and more willing to answer your questions. This then helps you overcome their concerns and move forward.

In my last blog (see previous post: How to Speak So Boomers Will Listen), I discussed the Baby Boomers, the generation that was born between 1946-1964. In this blog, I'm going to discuss what events shaped the Gen X psyche and what key words to use when talking with them. As a reminder:

Who are the four generations?

Traditionalists: Born between 1924-1945
Baby Boomers: Born between 1946-1964
Generation X: Born between 1965-1980
Generation Y: Born between 1981-2000

Each of these generations was influenced by certain events that shaped their psyche during their formative years. The formative years tend to take place 10-20 years after a person was born, so let’s look at the events that shaped Gen X during their formative years.

Generation X
Born between 1965-1980
Formative years between approx. 1976-1990

Not only did Gen X face three recessions and stagflation during their formative years, but they also dealt with the aftermath of Watergate, the beginning of the Gulf War and the unprecedented Challenger explosion. From these events, Gen X often felt that they couldn't trust their government to look after them.

In addition, Gen X saw divorce rates skyrocket. Latchkey kids, after-school daycare and full-time working mothers became the norm. What did Gen X take away from this? That they often couldn't trust their family to take care of them either.

During this time, they also saw career situations change. No longer were their Boomer relatives safe in a job for thirty years. All of a sudden, jobs were getting cut and career stability was eroding. Consequently, Gen X'ers received MBA degrees in droves, so that they could be "safe" from all the workplace changes.

MTV also changed their world. This allowed them a place to escape to. It also gave Gen X access to celebrity lifestyles; being ostentatious was hip if it meant you could be a "Material Girl" like Madonna.

Gen X learned early on that they couldn't trust their government, the corporate world or their families from disintegrating in front of their eyes. So they tend to be self-sufficient and pragmatic. They also tend to be distrustful of hierarchy, based on what they saw in their formative years; therefore they MUST know what's in it for them before they take any action. Finally MTV taught them how to be individualistic and view material wealth differently than their parents.

Now that you understand which events shaped this generation, and how Gen X view the world, how can you best connect with them? You use key words that resonate with them. When you do this, they then feel understood and are willing to listen to you. You build rapport, so they will engage with you more willingly. If you continue to use their key words, you will have an effective conversation with them, simply by using their own language.

Key Words for Gen X

*Best, finest, world-class
*"You will benefit by..."
*"It's your time..."
*"As you like it..."

So if you’re trying to convince a Gen X'er to launch a new website, you would say something like “This website is going to best in the industry. You will be seen as the creative visionary who inspired the team to launch a new concept. I've done my research and the best way to go about it systematically is...."

You wouldn’t use the same language when trying to convince a Gen Y, Boomer or Traditionalist to launch a new website. They have their own key words that resonate best with them. Yet using the Gen X key words, and understanding the Gen X psyche, will help you bridge the cultural gap.

Remember, you will not succeed when trying to change a generational perspective. You will only succeed when tailoring your pitch to each generation. In other words, speak their language. When you do this, they feel more connected to you and more willing to answer your questions. This then helps you overcome their concerns and move forward.

My next blog will cover the key words to use for Gen Y. Until then, practice your Gen X language and let me know how it goes!

When people learn that I work with the different generations in the workplace, I often hear "I can't talk to THEM. THEY are the problem." It doesn't matter if it's a Baby Boomer talking about a Gen Y, or a Traditionalist talking about a Gen X. They all say the same thing about the other.

Why is it so difficult for so many people? Because for first time in American history, four generations are working side by side in the workplace. Each generation has a distinctly separate view on work, life and society. There is no right or wrong generational viewpoint. However, there is a right and wrong approach. Each generation must be approached using certain key words, tailor-made to fit that generation’s traits.

Imagine working in Japan, Argentina, Norway and the South Africa. In order to work effectively in each location, you would likely take the time to learn some of the language, habits and history of each country. This better prepares you to work with each culture.

The same applies for the four generations in today’s workplace. You must be prepared to speak four languages and learn four sets of habits if you want to be effective with each generation. If you speak Japanese in Argentina, you will fail in effectively communicating with the Argentine. If you speak Gen Y to a Traditionalist, you will also fail in making your point with the Traditionalist.

So who are the four generations?

Traditionalists: Born between 1924-1945
Baby Boomers: Born between 1946-1964
Generation X: Born between 1965-1980
Generation Y: Born between 1981-2000

Each of these generations was influenced by certain events that shaped their psyche during their formative years. The formative years tend to take place 10-20 years after a person was born, so let’s look at the events that shaped each generation during their formative years.

Traditionalists
Born between 1924-1945
Formative years between approx. 1935-1955

The dominant events that shaped this generation were WWII, the Great Depression and FDR. Consequently, this generation was taught to be frugal and ‘make do’ with what they had. They were taught to avoid risks and be safe while ‘dad was at war’. They also learned to live with extended family and take responsibility for their siblings. This is a generation that depended on the government to help them through difficult times, so they learned to be patriotic and civic-minded.

Consequently, they tend to be conservative, disciplined, loyal, patriotic and risk-averse. They also tend to respect authority and trust the system.

Now that you understand which events shaped this generation, and how Traditionalist view the world, how can you best connect with them? You use key words that resonate with them. When you do this, they then feel understood and are willing to listen to you. You build rapport, so they will engage with you more willingly. If you continue to use their key words, you will have an effective conversation with them, simply by using their own language.

Key Words for Traditionalists

• Reliable
• Responsibility/duty
• Patriotic
• Value
• Loyalty

So if you're trying to convince a Traditionalist to launch a new website, you would say something like "It's our responsibility to give our clients what they want, and the studies show they want an updated website. This website will bring greater value to our shareholders because our customers will become even more loyal and buy more. And the web designer I have in mind is reliable and trustworthy."

You wouldn't use the same language when trying to convince a Gen Y, Gen X or Baby Boomer to launch a new website. They have their own key words that resonate best with them. Yet using the Traditionalist key words, and understanding the Traditionalist psyche will help you bridge the cultural gap.

You will not succeed when trying to change a generational perspective. You will only succeed when tailoring your pitch to each generation. In other words, speak their language. When you do this, they feel more connected to you and more willing to answer your questions. This then helps you overcome their objections and move forward.

My next three blogs will cover the key words to use for the Baby Boomers, Gen X and Gen Y. Until then, practice your Traditionalist language and let me know how it goes!

In a recent study by Chip Walker, the No. 1 attitude unifying Gen Y was: "I would fight for a cause I believe in." According to Walker, it's clear that Gen Y has "an activist bent", but what exactly are they fighting for? Here is Walker's theory: "Belief in institutions like government and big business crumbled long ago. Rather, in a world of almost infinite lifestyle choices, Gen Y activism is about young people knowing their own inner priorities and making a vow to live by them -- even in the face of adversity. It's "self-activism...treating themselves and their dreams like causes."

So how do you reach a generation who is treating themselves and their dreams like a cause? You speak their language. They believe in diverse communities, environmental causes and socially responsible companies. So give them something to believe in. When you hire a new employee, don't just sell a job in your company~sell a vision. A vision of using their voice and ideas to make a difference in your company. It's not about the money for Gen Y; it's about something much bigger.

They're thinking big and bold. That's not such a bad thing. In today's economy, every organization needs to think out of the box and create new business models. So take a cue from Gen Y; believe in your own vision and allow this tech-savvy and media-savvy generation help you fight for it. Together, you just might just change the world.