Summary from the NYWICI Lost in Translation Panel
On Tuesday, March 3rd, Burson-Marsteller hosted an esteemed panel of women to discuss cultural diversity across generations. The focus of the evening was not simply to network with fellow members, but to better bridge the gap between culture, diversity and multiple generations while doing so. The generational focus was between Baby Boomers, workers who fall between the ages of 48-65, Gen X ‘ers, ages 28-47 and Millennial’s, age 27 or younger.
The evening’s panel was moderated by Jennifer Brown, President of Jennifer Brown Consulting. Together, the panelists reflected and shared insight from over 80 years of combined communications industry experience. They were Harriette Cole, creative director of Ebony magazine, Melissa Lavigne, director at The Intelligence Group, Ginny Pulos, president of Ginny Pulos Communications, and Lorenca Rosal, managing director of corporate practice at Burson-Marsteller.
Some cross-generational networking at the event!
PHOTO COURTESY OF NYWICI & MARYANNE RUSSELL
The panelists agreed on the importance of understanding and accepting a diverse range of generations in the workplace. “Six different generations will be working together,” said Pulos. Cole added that it is an historic time in terms of who is being laid off; the job losses are being felt across every culture and generation worldwide. To help survive the turmoil, Lavigne suggested stepping out of your role and putting yourself in your target audience’s place to help you understand their intentions and how specific generations may approach issues differently. Brown reminded those present that “every moment of communication needs to be about the audience that perceives it.” The panel also examined the employer/employee and mentor/mentee roles across cultures and generations. Our appearance, attitude, body language, and audience perception can determine our success. The panelists offered several tips on how to package yourself to potential employers that transcend generations. From Rosal’s perspective, “when in Rome, do as the Romans” while maintaining your professional integrity and remaining within your comfort zone. Instead of using expressions such as “I think, I hope, I feel,” Pulos suggested using words that reflect a confident and assertive communicator such as “I believe, I can and I look forward,” regardless of the generation of the person you with whom you are interacting.
In addition, stepping outside of your traditional role can help build a greater appreciation for your cross-generational colleagues and possibly showcase your willingness to migrate into new territories or communication media. We can all benefit from working together cooperatively. As Cole acknowledged, “we need each other” during these challenging and changing times. In a merging global economy, cultures and generations will be forced to coexist more effectively; we can choose to embrace this philosophy or we will get lost.
l o s t i n t r a n s l a t i o n was presented by New York Women in Communications, Inc..
