GALT Consulting LLC

Generational differences continue to be a hot topic!  I hear Baby Boomers complain that younger people don't respond to emails or voicemail messages.  They conclude that the issue is a simple lack of manners.  Meanwhile, Gen X'ers (like me) complain that Baby Boomers refuse to utilize other communication tools (like texting and instant messaging) and leave rude messages like "Hey Don!  It's Jim.  Give me a call.".  I know it's you Jim!  I have caller ID!

The truth is that communications etiquette is evolving with technology faster that the actual use of the technology.  On a given day, we have the ability to communicate with more people than ever before.  The only way this can be accomplished is through efficient use of technology.  No one is trying to be rude, but an increased understanding of the tools will yield tolerance (if not usage) of things like text messaging and other forms of social media (like blogging!).

Consider this.  A study conducted by Sprint found that a person under the age of 30 is 4x more likely to respond to a text message than to a voicemail...  and 91% will respond within the hour.  This makes sense if you consider that today people are constantly prioritizing communication needs and utilizing the right tools for the job.  A phone call takes several minutes.  A text message takes seconds.  I'm not saying you need to use it... just understand that it's not manners... its efficiency!