Working as part of a younger team

Today, there are many baby boomers in today's work force who face the issue of working with younger people. For the first time in history, there are four different generations working side-by-side in the workplace. Each one has its own attitudes, perceptions and values, which sometimes make it challenging for older workers to adapt.

Experts agree that the number one obstacle has got a lot to do with self-esteem. Their parents taught them that seniority comes with age and having to answer to a younger boss goes against the model they subscribed to.

Not only are boomers often embarrassed and angry that they are answering to someone their child's age, they do not know how to relate to or connect with their boss and/or co-workers, which only makes them feel more separate.

Another hindrance separating boomers from younger generations is their tendency to believe that they have all the answers. They want to tell people how to do something rather than ask someone how.

Despite all the challenges boomers face as a result of having a younger boss, it's important for them to learn how to deal with and accept it. As a result of more boomers staying in the work force while millions of Generation Y enter it, the chances of boomers having a younger boss are increasing.

Here are 10 actions to help you succeed in a younger work environment:

1. Understand the other person's point of view. If your boss is from another generation, you may have differing opinions on many things. Observe his/her behaviour to better understand what influences his/her management style and how you can complement it.

2. Don't assume traditional boss behaviours. If you get that weekend phone call, don't immediately assume it's a power trip. Younger workers don't all put the same kinds of boundaries on work and personal time as you might have. They can be segmented, but those segmentations don't always fit a traditional schedule.

3. Never let them see you panic. No matter how unhappy you are with your new, younger boss, don't show it because you could become expendable for another younger employee. If you're that unhappy, start making plans to make your exit.

4. Keep an open mind. Don't assume that because they are younger, they don't know what they are doing. We all have different skill sets. No one is good at everything.

5. Be inquisitive. Learn new things and look at things differently. You'll want to do some hanging out with the younger generation to enjoy what they enjoy. Otherwise, they'll just see you as a fuddy-duddy and you'll be irritated by the boss and his newfangled ideas.

6. Don’t be insecure. Use your experience to temper any potential insecurity about having a younger boss. You've got perspective they don't yet have, which benefits both of you.

7. Be empathetic. Your boss is more nervous about this relationship than you. Help your boss find his/her footing, and he/she is likely to return the favour by giving you the autonomy you want and by including you in on decisions.

8. Practise active listening. Call it the hubris of youth or just the natural outcome of the self-esteem curriculum, but younger workers are deeply committed to collaboration and want to be included on decisions and strategies. If you want to bridge the gaps, show them you're willing to invest, improve and understand.

9. Spend time with them one on one. Take some time to get to know your boss and find out what he/she thinks. You'll usually come back richer for it.

10. Be the employee your boss does not have to manage. Bosses spend a lot of time managing younger employees who are just beginning to learn prioritisation and time management. So, take the initiative, and he/she will begin to notice and appreciate your experience and wisdom.

William Montgomery
CEO of TEN