The recent crop of college grads, those born in the early 1980s, have brought with them a set of technological tools that make fax machines, voice mail and spreadsheet software look positively quaint.  They've grown up with scanning, text messaging and Googling, and they're not about to stop once they've hit the working world. Nor should they. 

So how should you deal with these iPod-toting technical wizards (especially when you want to strangle them with their headphone cords)?  Communication is key but recognize that generations communicate differently. As a colleague or manager, you need to understand and work within that framework if you want results.

The skills these newer generations bring with them are big assets when it comes to multi-tasking and productivity.  But they're also a nightmare for many of bosses over the age of 35 who understand that while technology is a useful tool, it doesn't replace in-person interaction as a primary means of doing business. 

Today's bosses, can't understand why their young employees, for all their brains and technical acumen, hardly ever walk in the door, sit down and actually talk to them.  The Generation Y employees often use test messages, rather than walk over and talk to someone - frequently sending them messages without thinking. What some Gen Y'ers don't see is that the meaning and value of gestures and other nonverbal skills don't come through in a text.

Many organizations are finding that they need to emphasize face-to-face and telephone skills, which they see as lacking in IM-happy college grads.  The good news is that most new hires are smart, talented and open to learning.  Where they differ from their predecessors, is in their requests for more hands-on, interactive training.  However, you may find that some do not have the patience to sit through an eight-hour class. You have to talk fast to keep their attention.