It's happening more frequently and is so inculcated into society that commercials are using the jargon.  The post Gen Y group of communicators aren't interested in nor adept at writing skills. You've seen the commercial where the mom tries and fails miserably at understanding her daughter's "IM of her BFF Jill" and grandma smiles while also speaking in this new shorthand language.  Yes, it's funny but is becoming less so.

A few weeks ago Eric Zorn, a writer for the Chicago Tribune, wrote an article titled "If kid is not answering e-mail, send txt msg, K?"  In the article, Mr. Zorn tells the story of about his 18 year old son Alex trying to contact the freshman son of a family friend via email, and consistently receiving no response.  When they finally sent a text message, they received a response immediately.  It turns out that Generation 'Z' finds email to be antiquated and Passé so they simply ignore it.

Fast forward to three days ago you will find the volume of articles regarding the lack of writing skills in term papers and resumes.  A recent article in the Tribune's Red Eye reports that a study co-sponsored by the National Commission on Writing at the College Board, the non-profit group that administers the SAT and other placement tests has found that:

• 50% of teens surveyed say they sometimes fail to use proper captialization and punctuation in assignments
• 38% have carried over IM or email shortcuts such as LOL
• 25% of teens have used :) and other emoticons
• 64% have used at least one of the informatil elements in school

An April 24th article on MSNBC titled "Teens use ,  LOL, in school writing" mentions that The Pew Internet and American Life Project, in a study released Thursday, also found that teens who keep blogs or use social-networking sites like Facebook, or News Corp.’s MySpace, have a greater tendency to slip nonstandard elements into assignments. The results may give parents, teachers and others a big :( — a frown to the rest of us — though the study’s authors see hope.

“It’s a teachable moment,” said Amanda Lenhart, senior research specialist at Pew. “If you find that in a child’s or student’s writing, that’s an opportunity to address the differences between formal and informal writing. They learn to make the distinction ... just as they learn not to use slang terms in formal writing.”

A recruiter recently voiced her frustration and concern with resumes that are poorly written, and the most painful read in her long career.  The spelling is atrocious and Gen 'Z is unable to even write full sentences.

What this means to you and your organization is the downgrade of communications to a level never before experienced in a professional environment.  So prepare yourself, add some professional writing courses to your corporate training programs.   

And, if you are the parent of a Gen Z, start teaching them at home not only the difference between formal and informal writing, but the impact poor writing skills will have on their careers.  Then check their assignment before they turn it in and have that 'teachable moment' at home.  You might even find yourself LOL while bonding with your children.

Read the MSNBC article here - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24294592/

Well it had to happen sooner or later.  The Generation War has officially begun! 

So I’m at my hotel this week and as usual picked up my copy of USA Today and there it was in black and white.  The headline said “”X” marks its spot in the cultural limelight”  and the subtitle of the article is “Author kicks boomers aside.”

I’ve watched for years as corporate America pushed the boomers aside and hired the younger generation because ‘they’re energetic’ and knew that the time would come when these youngsters would speak out about their feelings.  Truth be told, some seminar attendees have told me from time to time that their younger colleagues have even actually said “why don’t you retire already and get out of my way?’  So I saw it coming.  Did you?

In the article, Jeff Gordinier author of “X Saves the World:  How Generation X Got the Shaft But Can Still Keep Everything from Sucking” claims he wants to make it perfectly clear that he is not whining.  “I’m just weary of hearing about them. Let’s move on.  Who Cares?  Stop!”  He claims “we’ve accomplished more than we get credit for” and cites everything from “green” architects to Pulp Fiction, to YouTube, Google and The Colbert Report.  Well good for you.  If that’s all you have to take credit for then YOU step aside buddy.  While those are fun its not enough to keep the economy or society going.

Gordinier, editor at large at Details magazine says “the boomers have hogged the limelight for so long it’s hard to even get on the stage.”    Speak for yourself buddy.  Lots of Gen “X” and Gen “Y” people are on the stage doing their thing right next to the boomers.  He claims that Gen Xers have been ignored in society’s’ eyes.  I disagree.  We’ve been paying attention from the moment you entered the corporate world declaring that you “wouldn’t choke yourself with a tie” and bringing business casual into the workplace. 

It’s your presentation that needs help.  All Mr. Gordinier has to do to understand what’s going on is to inspect the name of his book.  “Sucking?”  Pathetic.  And he calls himself an editor.  Stop whining, grow up, demonstrate leadership and you will find the credibility and success you seek.