If you’re like a lot of seasoned executives, you want to do a better job communicating with your younger employees. After all, research indicates that executives who do a better job communicating with their employees make more money and get better jobs.
The good news is that adjusting your communication style isn’t as complex as it might seem.
The starting point is to understand how you communicate. Once you have a good understanding of that, you can then make the adjustments you need to communicate better with your Gen Z employees.
What’s Your Communication Style? Take This Communications Style Quiz and Find Out
To learn more about how you communicate, take our Communications Style quiz by clicking the link or the image below.
Now that you understand your own communication style, let’s take a look at some tips and techniques you can put to use to help you do a better job communicating with Gen Z.
20 Ways Seasoned Executives Can Communicate with Better with Gen Z Employees
We go into more depth on this topic below the list, but if you want a quick snapshot, here goes:
- Be open to learning about the Gen Z employee’s communication preferences and style.
- Use inclusive language that avoids age-based assumptions or stereotypes.
- Communicate clearly and directly, avoiding unnecessary jargon or complex language.
- Use digital communication channels, such as email or instant messaging, to reach the Gen Z employee where they are most comfortable.
- Be open to providing feedback and receiving feedback in return.
- Use visuals, such as charts or infographics, to convey information in a more digestible format.
- Emphasize the importance of work-life balance, and encourage the Gen Z employee to take breaks and prioritize their wellbeing.
- Be willing to adapt and change the way you communicate if it’s not working for the Gen Z employee.
- Avoid micromanaging and instead give the GenZ employee the autonomy to complete tasks on their own.
- Show appreciation for their ideas and contributions to the team.
- Encourage collaboration and teamwork, and provide opportunities for the Gen Z employee to work with others.
- Be patient and understanding if the Gen Z employee needs extra support or guidance.
- Be willing to try new technology and tools that may help improve communication.
- Avoid making assumptions about the Gen Z employee’s career goals or aspirations.
- Be willing to share your own experiences and knowledge, while also being open to learning from the Gen Z employee.
- Provide regular check-ins to discuss progress and any concerns the Gen Z employee may have.
- Encourage the Gen Z employee to speak up and share their thoughts and opinions.
- Set clear expectations and goals for projects and tasks.
- Be open to remote work and flexible schedules, which are important to many Gen Z employees.
- Recognize the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and ensure that all team members feel heard and valued.
Digging Deeper: More Insights into Communicating with a Gen Z Employee
With a new generation entering the workforce, it’s essential for executives to learn how to connect with young employees, create effective relationships, and ensure that communication is clear, meaningful, and positive.
One of the most important things executives can do to improve communication with young employees is to listen actively.
Active listening is essential to building strong relationships and fostering a culture of trust and collaboration. When executives listen actively to young employees, they demonstrate their interest in their opinions, ideas, and experiences, which helps to build a culture of respect, understanding, and empathy.
By showing that they value the input of younger employees, executives can build stronger relationships with them and create an environment that is more conducive to effective communication.
Another key factor in effective communication is being clear and concise in your messaging.
Younger employees are accustomed to information being delivered quickly and succinctly. Executives can help to facilitate effective communication by being direct and clear in their messaging, and avoiding unnecessary jargon or complex language that may be difficult for younger employees to understand.
Using clear and concise messaging also helps to prevent confusion and misunderstandings, which can damage relationships and hinder productivity.
Executives can also benefit from providing regular feedback to young employees.
Feedback is an essential part of personal and professional growth, and young employees crave constructive criticism to help them develop their skills and improve their performance. By providing regular feedback, executives can show that they are invested in the success of their younger employees and are committed to helping them achieve their goals.
Another important way that executives can improve communication with young employees is by being approachable and accessible.
Younger employees are more likely to communicate effectively when they feel comfortable and at ease with their superiors. By being approachable and accessible, executives can create a more positive and open work environment where employees feel free to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns.
One of the most effective ways for executives to create a positive and open work environment is by demonstrating a genuine interest in the lives and interests of younger employees.
By showing that they care about their employees beyond their work performance, executives can build trust and strengthen their relationships with young employees. This can be done by attending team-building events, engaging in casual conversations, and taking an interest in the hobbies and interests of younger employees.
Finally, executives can benefit from embracing new technologies and communication methods that are popular among younger employees. Younger employees are often more comfortable with digital communication channels like instant messaging, email, and social media. By leveraging these channels, executives can improve communication and build stronger relationships with younger employees.
The Bottom Line About Communicating with Gen Z Employees
Effective communication between executives and young employees is essential to building strong relationships and fostering a positive work environment. Executives can improve communication by listening actively, being clear and concise in their messaging, providing regular feedback, being approachable and accessible, demonstrating a genuine interest in the lives of younger employees, and embracing new technologies and communication methods. By following these strategies, executives can build strong relationships with younger employees, foster a culture of trust and collaboration, and promote productivity and growth within their organizations.
Would You Like to Have Jamie Turner Speak About Good Communication Skills at Your Next Event?
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About the Author: Jamie Turner is an internationally recognized author, professor, consultant, and speaker who has helped employees at The Coca-Cola Company, Holiday Inn, Microsoft, Verizon and others do a better job leading, managing, and mentoring others. To have him speak at your event or organization, email him at: Jamie@JamieTurner.Live