Don't Try to Explain THEIR Ways Through YOUR Filter

I was at a networking event this evening for OD (organization development) professionals. The topic was generational differences and the speaker brought up how Gen X and Gen Y - particularly Gen Y - relies on technology to build relationships and connect more much than previous generations. Several people in the group were quick to say that all the texting and twittering might not really be communication because you can't really get to know someone with a text. Others jumped on the bandwagon to question whether these new communication tools are really communication.

Here's the deal - texting might not feel like relationship building to US, but let's not judge the quality or depth of the connection based on our preferences and experiences. I think some people really do develop deep relationships using these shorter and quicker methods.

Let's call it mico-intimacy.

A few years ago, many people had the same criticisms about blogging, but I can tell you - as a blogger for over 4 years now - you CAN build deep relationships with other bloggers and blog readers. When I did my motorcycle book tour a couple of years ago, I drove all over the country and met many blog readers in person for the first time.

Was it like we had just met? No. We picked up where our virtual conversation had last left off.

Same thing with texting and twittering. These messages are shorter, yes, but they tend to be more frequent, too. You CAN get to know someone by following their tweets over time.

I think a key challenge we all have when trying to be hip and sage is that it is a natural tendency to judge different tools and practices and beliefs through our personal filter. And in doing so, we are more likley to label things as good or bad or working and not working or effective and not effective.

I would rather have micro-intimacy with my 20-something team member than completely miss the mark on how to connect with him or her.