(This is the second in our five-part series, Five Generations, One Team, about what it’s really like to work across five generations—and how we can make that experience a whole lot smoother together.)
One of the most common points of friction on multi-generational teams isn’t what we say, but how and where we say it. Some of us prefer the instant, conversational nature of instant messaging (like Teams), while others prefer the documented structure of email, or the clarity of a direct phone call.
None of these preferences are wrong, but failing to align them causes unnecessary digital friction.
Tips for Managers
- Build a “Team Agreement”: Dedicate 15 minutes of a team meeting to map out communication protocols. Collectively decide: What constitutes an “urgent” issue requiring a phone call or text? What goes in an email? What belongs in instant messaging?
- Respect individual preferences: Ask your direct reports how they absorb information best—written summaries, verbal discussions, or a mix of both—and try to cater your one-on-one preparation to those preferences.
Tips for Colleagues
- Meet people halfway: If you know a colleague struggles with long, unstructured chat threads, summarize your thoughts in a clear email. If you know a teammate prefers quick, asynchronous updates, send a brief chat message instead of scheduling a 15-minute meeting.
- Assume positive intent in text: Digital communication lacks tone. A short, period-heavy message is rarely passive-aggressive; it is often just a style difference.
You can find the articles in this series in HUBI’s User Corner as they are published.
