The world is experiencing rapid social and technological changes, affecting how generations born in different eras communicate. If communication between generations is not smooth, misunderstandings and conflicts can quickly arise, which can adversely affect individuals, organizations, and society.
Effective communication between generations is becoming more critical. The importance goes beyond simply exchanging messages and understanding and respecting each other's values and cultural backgrounds. Through this communication, each generation can share their experiences and knowledge, cooperate, and move toward common goals. Especially in a rapidly changing global environment, the ability to communicate between generations can directly determine an organization's competitiveness.
Generations born in the 21st Century have already arrived in our society and organizations. Those born in the 2000s in the 21st Century will graduate from four-year universities starting in 2023 and emerge as the so-called new blood in our society. As a side note, a new 2000s-born person recently joined a company and not the school he works with, and it is not easy for him, born in 1982, to communicate with these people. But what he learned from communicating with them is that we have been overly obsessed with numbers.
If the 22nd Century had arrived, what kind of communication method would we use with their generation? The key is that even if the 2100s generation is reborn as a new generation, there can be a standard communication technology that can communicate with everyone without any problems.
The most crucial thing in intergenerational communication is to establish basic principles that are applicable to all and not biased toward a specific generation. These principles are based on fairness and inclusiveness, creating a communication environment where all generations can participate equally.
First, it is an attitude of active listening. Respecting and listening to the other person's opinion is the foundation for building trust between generations.
Second, it is important to express clearly and give feedback. Precise language use and feedback are essential to avoid distorting information, which prevents misunderstandings and helps with understanding.
Third, focus on constructive conversation rather than criticism. This minimizes conflict and promotes positive interaction.
Fourth, it is an attitude of acknowledging and respecting cultural diversity and individual differences. An inclusive attitude that understands diverse backgrounds and accepts differences facilitates communication. These principles form the basis of intergenerational communication and serve as a bridge to overcome values and cultural differences from different eras.
In order to communicate effectively between generations, it is essential to understand the unique characteristics of each generation and, based on this, to reach a common goal through agreement and acceptance. The essence of the agreement is not simply to agree on opinions but to harmoniously integrate the different perspectives of each generation and find new solutions. To do this, an open and optimistic attitude is necessary. Of course, this open attitude does not mean unconditionally accepting the changes of the new generation. The core of this agreement is to know and pursue the common goals of our organization.
Diversity can be toxic in an organization where safety is the top priority. In an organization where service is the top priority, the excessive exercise of individual rights should be restricted. However, the timing of resolving this should be agreed upon in advance, not after the fact. This difference in timing will divide unfairness from fairness. Finally, we cannot proceed with everything in our lives based on principles and agreements. When we have the idea that we can coordinate the rest of things through the 'conversation' that God has given us, we can perfect the communication technology that will work even in the 22nd Century.
