Exercise In Discovery

In the working world, multiple generations are beginning to work together for one common goal: to complete a task or a job. Communication and problem solving between two generations can be difficult and this is due to different skills and abilities.

This week, Eloqui, a presentation skills firm sent out: Exercise in Discovery. Their assignment was to give ad

vice on how to read and speak the language of each individualized audience. After delivering a keynote in Denver to customer service representatives of a major insurance firm, Eloqui came across another challenge: communicating with professionals from a different generation, since the representatives ranged from thirty to sixty.

In order to fade the line that divides the two generations, Eloqui made the following recommendations for the youth and also for the sage to keep in mind when communicating with professionals from a different generation.

Youth: Don’t audition or tap dance because you feel fear or a lack confidence. If you fall into that trap, you will tend to say too much, stray off point, pontificate to show how much you know, and lose the attention of your client, customer or audience.

Sage: Express genuine interest in the younger professional and their expertise, especially when it comes to social media, apps, Internet sites, or their particular strength. Drop any condescending tone. Make every meeting or connection an exercise in discovery.

Youth: At the same time, don’t assume the more seasoned professional is ignorant of new technology. Show respect. Be curious. Demonstrate that you admire their wisdom and experience by asking questions. You may tap into an older person’s willingness to mentor. It is also a fast track to gaining trust and deepening a potentially important relationship.