In my last post, I looked at a couple of strategies that use text messaging to help build positive relationships with Generation Y employees. But I also know a lot of managers and supervisors have questions about when to text versus when to call versus when to e-mail or IM, or whatever form of communication exists out there.

The most important thing I can tell you about this is that you need to check with your young employees to see what they prefer. As much as we’d prefer that all Millenials can be managed the same way, the simple fact is that just like any other group of people, there are a huge variety of preferences within the group.

So, rather than trying to share with you the hard-and-fast rules that apply to every single young employee, I’m going to share some my preferences with you, to get you thinking about what you’ll need to ask your young employees.

Things I want managers to text me:

1. Addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses.

This saves me the trouble of writing them down.

2. Questions that can be answered briefly.

This prompts me to answer, and doesn’t force me to undergo the brain damage of trying to fit a 10 page thesis into 250 characters.

3. Brief responses to the texts I have sent.

Unless I say otherwise in a text, I prefer the response to also be a text.

Things I don’t want managers to text me:

1. Anything long.

It’s a small screen designed for a short message. If it’s more than about 3 sentences, think twice before sending it.

2. Anything non-critical on my day off.

If there’s no fire, don’t text me.

3. Single words.

With the exception of someone acknowledging that they have either received something of mine or that we’ve reached agreement on a plan, I don’t really see why you’d bother to take the time to send a one-word text - or waste my time reading it.

Your turn

Leave a comment to share what you prefer to get and prefer not to get via text message from your boss or employees.