Millennials are not patient and have no problem executing in the absence of guidance or orders. They must be able to receive, translate and transmit orders and directives to subordinates. This generation is crucial to your mission. They are goal oriented and want to prove themselves, talking down to them will result in negative outcomes. This generation craves and needs constant feedback, counseling and coaching. This generation is no stranger to the use of smart phones and computers, having been raised with the use of the devices in everyday life. Millennials or Generation "Y," born between 19 make up the majority of our ranks and formations.
It may take 15 minutes for a Generation "X" to feel like they have made their point in a conversation. Although they are accepting to the advances in technology, it is important to understand that many, if not all, were well into their mid 20's before they owned a cell phone. A Generation "X" prefers emails and face to face interactions, but short and to the point. They crave feedback and will chime into a conversation if they feel they have valued input. This generation is much more tech savvy than their predecessors. This is a smaller cohort of a generation in between two very large generations (Boomers and Millennials). Generation "X," born between 19, make up the majority of the senior leadership across the Army and several within our Army Civilian workforce. As a Boomer, it's important to note that follow on generations do not require as much time and you could lose the attention of an audience rather quickly. It may take 20-25 minutes for a Boomer to feel like they have made their point. Boomers like situations thought through and issues addressed from all angles, not the 'quick fix." Understand that this generation was raised by the "Traditional/Greatest Generation," this is important and has a lot to do with the length of a conversation. They prefer a face to face conversation over an email, phone call or text message. They often don't invite themselves into a conversation but once invited have valuable input. This generation is extremely flexible and adaptive to change. Throughout their careers they have witnessed several changes from the introduction of computers to the smart phone. The "Baby Boomer" Generation, born between 19, make up a large part of our Army Civilian work force. Having an effective, well received conversation is the art of communication. We all want positive experiences when coordinating efforts, teaching, giving orders or when receiving simple customer service. If you are a drill sergeant in the trenches getting it done, an instructor on the platform, a squad leader, company commander, one of our valued Army Civilians ensuring mission success through expertise and continuity, or a senior leader, you must know your audience when communicating. Generation Y or Millennials Born from 1981 to 1996 This is important because no one operates in a bubble and often times we are required to talk to offices and organizations that may consist of individuals from multiple generations.Īccording to the Pew Research Center, the generations consist of: Yes, the primary generations in the Army is largely from generations "Y" (the "Millennials") and "Z," but when you look across the entire enterprise we are comprised of four generations.
Military there are four generations at work every day. If used correctly, it will not only ease the flow of communicating, but may give clarity for methods used by others.Īcross the U.S. Understanding the generational differences in communication is paramount. I'm not talking about the obvious barriers such as languages or dialects but rather the generational barrier. One often overlooked aspect and arguably the most important is the methods we use to communicate with one another. In the Army many missions and tasks occur every day and there are many aspects that are required to ensure their success.
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