Twenty years ago, communication was much simpler. Face-to-face, phone, and print were just about the only options we had. These days we’ve got e-mail, instant messaging, texting, webcasts, blogs, social networks, and more. Choosing the right communication medium is more important than ever.

While generational differences aren’t the only reasons to vary com- munication media, they are certainly important. For an important message, baby boomers may be much more responsive to face-to-face or phone communications. Generation Y may be just as comfortable with instant messaging or texting. You’ll also find that while some people may never answer their phones, they’ll respond to e-mail with lightning speed. Others may look at e-mail only once per day.

Before you communicate, make sure you understand the different communication styles within and across teams and vary communication media as necessary.