How to get over the generation gap and make conversations with younger colleagues?

“Hey, TBH, I can hold a conversation with anyone. I’m pretty lit like that. My secret is to make my conversations interesting. My game is on fleek”. 

Confused?

Completely perplexed by the words I used in that statement? Don’t get overwhelmed. Let me re-write the sentence and you will get it this time:

 “Hey, To Be Honest (TBH), I can hold a conversation with anyone. I’m pretty lit (extremely cool, fun, exciting) like that. My secret is to make my conversations interesting. My game is usually on fleek (on point)”.

Those words are part of the millennial slang that is used in the everyday conversation.

Don’t worry, not all youngsters speak like this nor do they use this lingo all the time. Talking to the current generation is easy if you know the techniques.

You should know how to communicate with youngsters. The effectiveness is not in knowing the words they use (that you can learn from Google or ask someone) but to know how to talk with the younger crowd so they are extremely happy to talk to you and think of you as a cool person to talk to. It’s time to be LIT.

“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” 
― Albert Einstein

Let me share with you 6 proven ways of how to win over your younger friends even if you are an introvert.

Rule # 1: Be honest

Millennials appreciate honesty. Ask a millennial what he or she thinks about something, and you’ll get a direct and honest response.  They usually don’t believe in being diplomatic about their views or opinions. They have their opinions and they will put it across without mincing words. 

 How to use this:  Build a solid foundation of trust with your colleagues by being honest and to the point. Don’t sugar coat your words. Be authentic in your approach and always explain why you hold a particular point of view.

Rule #2:  Don’t be a parent.

You can be a friend, teacher, or a big brother/sister. Be anyone but not a parent. In the workplace, everyone is an adult and an equal. Age does not translate into seniority or respect. Everyone should be respected for their job and skills.

If you act like a parent, they will run away from you. So don’t talk to them as if you know it all and they have to listen to you and your experiences. Don’t use phrases like “you must “or “you should”. If you come across as if you are judging them, they will run far away from you.

How to use this:  Don’t nag them for anything. Always listen to what they have to say and ask for their opinions. Treat them like adults and behave the way you would with your friends.

Rule #3: Earn their respect

Just because you’re older and wiser than them, don’t expect young people to automatically listen to you. You have to prove your credibility. Everyone has a different measure of success. Don’t expect them to respect you because of your age or experience. You will have to prove yourself through work, by adopting new ways and through your experience that you are worth it.

How to use it:  Show them results through your work. Help people out if they are stuck. Continuously learn new things and be updated. Show them how you managed to earn success and show them how they can get it too.

Rule #4: Be fun. Have fun

You have to have fun in life irrespective of a conversation or not. It’s an added advantage you get when you try to connect with young people. It doesn’t mean you have to crack jokes, act silly or do some crazy stuff.

How to use it: Be fun by being open to experiencing new things, learning new things and taking situations lightly. Explore web shows and documentaries which will enhance your life and knowledge too.

Rule # 5: Know the current buzzwords

You know it feels good when someone talks in your language. In fact, when a foreigner comes down and speaks a few words in your local language, you immediately feel affection for the person and you form a rapport with the person. Speaking someone else’s language is very powerful.

How to use it:

Learn a few words from the millennials dictionary (which I will cover in another post). But, more importantly, empathize with them, listen to them, understand what are their fears, problems and give them a shoulder.

Rule # 6: Ask for their opinions.

Like I mentioned earlier, in a workplace, everyone is an adult and equal. Every individual wants to add their two cents. People love to give their opinions and views and with millennials more so. They want to add value and want their thoughts and opinions to matter. Always make an effort to understand their perspective.

How to use it:

Ask them for their opinions whenever you can. Ask them to teach you something new.  Make sure you make their thoughts count and show their views matter.

These techniques are more important than just knowing the millennial slang. I strongly recommend you use these techniques in your regular conversation till it becomes a habit and it comes naturally to you. I guarantee, your conversation will be on fleek too.