How To Cope With A Younger Boss
Posted on 04. Nov, 2009 by Matt Shelly in Career Connection
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By Todd Bavol, The Job Search Ninja.
CEO, Integrity Career Transitions
In years gone by, it was relatively rare for people to find themselves working under a boss who was younger than them, but with workers now staying on until sometimes well into their sixties and seventies, many older workers are now having to answer to managers who are young enough to be their grandchildren. So, how do you deal with a boss who looks like he’s only just out of diapers?
Of course, as with age differences in any circumstances, the difficulties in the workplace have nothing to do with numbers per se, but with attitudes, opinions and perspectives, so here are some tips for making sure that yours don’t get you into trouble.
Remember your respect
It doesn’t matter whether he (or she) is younger than you, your boss is still your boss, so be careful to treat him as you would an older manager. Although it might be tempting to think that he can’t possibly know what he is doing at his age, he was awarded his job on merit and clearly has valuable skills to offer – they might be different to the ones that were valued in your day, but they are the ones which are currently valued by your employer.
Focus on what he has to offer
As well as likely being well-educated and talented, many of today’s younger bosses are dynamic and energetic and full of new ideas which could help stop you from becoming stale. Instead of focusing on what you perceive that he can’t do, look instead at his strengths.
Focus on what you have to offer
Okay, so he’s got youth on his side, but you’ve got maturity and experience. Look at how you can use your skills and knowledge to help him and ensure a better working relationship.
Focus on what he has to teach
What better way to keep up with what’s new in your industry or in terms of new technology or methods? Instead of grumbling about his age, use what he has to teach you to keep your own mind sharp and yourself ahead of your peers.
Understand that it’s difficult for him too
Being the boss to someone older is a bit like reversing the child/parent roles and younger bosses sometimes struggle with this just as much as older workers. Remember that your boss is probably every bit as keen as you are to make things run smoothly.
Don’t be afraid to talk to him
If you have relevant issues that need to be raised, then don’t be afraid to talk to your younger boss in the same way as you would with any other. The very fact that there is an age difference may well make him able to offer a new perspective on matters. Also, don’t be afraid to talk to him if the age difference itself is causing you a problem. Make sure that you deal with the situation in private and with respect, but don’t feel shy about airing it. You may well discover that he has similar problems in coming to terms with it which together you can sort out.
Put the business first
At the end of the day, irrespective of the ages of workers and bosses, you are all there to do a job which contributes to the success and profitability of the company. Instead of getting hung up on age, concentrate on what you can do to add value to the organization that you work for and increase your own reputation at the same time.
For information about career products and services, visit www.integritycareertransitions.com. You can also follow The Job Search Ninja on twitter at, www.twitter.com/jobsearchninja, for great career advice.
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