Younger bosses – how to stay professional when your boss is younger than you

By Brian Maynor

 

 

When you look at most offices it’s common to see multiple generations all working together, but the older employees are not always in charge.

It is much more common to see younger employees achieving leadership positions, which have them supervising employees that are younger than they are, but they actually have it easier than the older employees being managed by someone younger. Young bosses can fall back on respect of elders, experience and accomplishments when managing older team members, but what are the older team members going to fall back on?

Dealing with a younger boss has its pitfalls, but it can be a valuable relationship, if you can keep your ego in check. Here are few tips for effectively dealing with a younger boss:

1.    Don’t assume the worst. Every generation has preconceived notions of younger ones, and while they may be based on generalizations, they are not concrete facts. Just because your boss is younger doesn’t mean they will be terrible at their job. Maybe you’re feelings stem from jealously or resentment because you were not given the position. Take a moment to examine and deal with your feelings so you can put them to bed and start your new relationship off on the right foot.

2.    Find some commonality. While there may be pop culture gaps between generations and a lot of stereotypes, research has proven there are no real character differences. Instead of focusing on all the ways you’re different, look for commonalities and ways to work together. To make the best of this situation your goal should be to remove age from the equation all together. Think of yourself as peers working in the same industry, with the same goals for success.

3.    Follow the golden rule of respect. Navigating this new relationship is a two-way street. Younger bosses may be dealing with their own issues of insecurity and intimidation based on your experience. Showing respect to each other is the best way to put everyone at ease and allow you focus on how you complement each other and in fact could make a perfect power team.

4.    Don’t lecture. When you’re talking to someone who is the same age as your children it can be hard not to slip into the parent mode and lecture them instead of talking to them as a peer. Sharing your work experiences, and life experiences for that matter, may be beneficial but only in the right context. Your boss is not your child, or grandchild, so don’t treat them as such.

5.    Just be yourself. The fact that you are older and have more experience is not something you can hide, or avoid, and you shouldn’t. Use those experiences to build trust and an authentic relationship.

Dealing with a younger boss can be a hard pill to swallow, especially when the years of experience are vastly different. In order to make this relationship productive, it’s best to remove age from the equation and focus how you complement, not compete, with each other.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

 

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

.

.