Communication is Key

wE hEAR IT ALL ThE TIME. wIThOuT EffECTIvE COMMuNICATION, IMpORTANT dETAILS gET LOST ANd MISCOMMuNICATIONS TAkE pLACE. OuR wORLd IS ChANgINg ALL ThE TIME, ANd wITh ThAT, COMMuNICATION TEChNIquES, OppORTuNITIES ANd pREfERENCES ARE RApIdLy ShIfTINg. IT IS CRITICAL ThAT wE LEARN TO AdjuST TO ThESE ChANgES TO STAy COMpETITIvE IN ThE MARkETpLACE

A few weeks ago, I attended a session on generational dynamics delivered by John Ansbach, communications expert and NARfavorite speaker. Being on the cusp of Generations X and Y, I’ve always found myself interested in generational profiles – refusing to accept (or admit!) some of the negative stereotypes of Gen X & Y, embracing the positive skills of both; all while neither fully accepting that I fall completely into one or the other. But, it’s reality. We all, for the most part, fit into a stereotype based

The numbers tell the story.

17 The percentage of men ages 25 to 34 who were living in their parents’ home in 2012.

8 Out of 10, the ratio of Americans that believe buying a home is a good financial decision. And more than 68 percent say now is a good time to buy.

17.8 In millions, the number of renter households who can afford a $177K home at a 3.5% mortgage rate, compared to 14.9 million at a 5% rate.

2,000 In square feet, the average size of homes bought by Southerners between 2010 and 2012. The national average was 1,860 square feet.

53 The percentage of buyers who make improvements to their homes within the first three months.

27 The number of months, through July, that pending home sales nationally have been above year-ago levels, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. That means this statistic has held true since the spring of 2011.

on the world we experienced as we grew up.

John pointed out that until now, the U.S. has never seen four generations in the workplace and marketplace simultaneously. Although years can vary, the general idea is as follows: Generation Y (early 1980’s until now), Generation X (1965-1979), Baby Boomers (1946-1964) and the Silent Generation/Civics (1945 and before). Each group has different values and preferences, and because of this, it is important to learn how to speak and understand each “language.” If you aren’t proficient in all four, you’re not going to be as productive or successful as you could be. For so long, we were taught to live by the Golden Rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Although a great philosophy, the Golden Rule doesn’t always apply in communicating across the masses. Instead, John suggests the Better Rule: to treat others the way they want to be treated. How can such

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