When millennials need to write a report on their own, they use Microsoft Word. If they compose the document as part of a team, they rely on Google Docs.

At least, that’s the finding in a recent survey by Creative Strategies, a market research firm. The company queried 350 students at 40 colleges. The answers revealed a common thread: individual work = Microsoft Word. Group work = Google Docs.

Why Google for group engagement? Because our generation feels Google Docs is the best product for collaborating on a written assignment.

What if you want to brainstorm with (or learn new skills from) a coworker or colleague? You need to send an email and ask for a phone call or in-person meeting in a way that’s polite yet direct.

The email is particularly useful for interns or younger employees. Networking with your team is a great way to build relationships, develop trust and become smarter at the work you do.

Subject line: Hope to learn more about [topic at hand; for instance, “Acme data servers”]

Hi [person’s first name],

I hope you’re having a good week so far.

When you have time, it would be great if you could [what you want from the person and why; for instance, “teach me more about our new Acme data servers. I know you understand the technology, and I need to bring myself up to speed.”] [Then, set time parameters but keep them flexible; for instance, “Let me know if you have time over the next several days.”]

Thanks in advance,

– Your first name
Email signature

Deeper Insight

Don’t push for a meeting right away or leave it open-ended with “whenever you’re free.” By asking for “time over the next several days,” you show you want the meeting soon but not immediately.

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How do you ask for a coworker’s time?

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Featured photo: Alper Cugun (Flickr)