A YOUNGER BOSS GOT YOU DOWN? 10 SURVIVAL
Beware of developing a repetitive negative thought, like “What does he know? He’s got no experience,” Jones says. “Reframe your thinking, and regularly repeat a positive reminder to yourself, like ‘He’s the boss.
I’ll figure out what he wants and needs, and I’ll give it to him.’”
Then, too, try to see it from your boss’s perspective. While you’re fretting that your expertise isn’t valued, your supervisor may in fact be bristling that you’re acting like a parent or mentor, and not giving proper credit for his or her education and experience.
2. Talk about the elephant in the room. Younger bosses may wonder if you will have a tough time reporting to someone their age. They’re concerned that you’re set in your ways, not willing to try new approaches to doing things, not up to snuff with technology, and possibly you don’t have the grit to do the job. Tell them you realize that they may have these concerns, but explain why they shouldn’t worry. Better yet, show them.
“Get social,” Jones says. “You may not feel like hanging out with younger coworkers, but do it anyway, at least sometimes.
Connecting at casual events can help you build vital relationships and it will keep you in the information loop.” If it’s appropriate for your position, stay engaged on social networks such as LinkedIn industry groups, Google+, or Twitter by posting interesting articles.
You could forward an article to your boss that you think is cutting edge with a note that you ran across it via one of your social media platforms.
3. Concentrate on what you have to offer. “It’s important for the more experienced worker to try to focus on what he or she offers the employer rather than overly focusing on the age concern,” says Miriam Salpeter, a job search consultant at Keppie Careers and author of a new free e-book, 5 Mistakes Job Seekers Make and How to Avoid Them. “Consider your experience an asset and pay
attention to how well you’re prepared to do the job. For example, your maturity and experience helps you solve problems more quickly.” Volunteer to mentor younger workers or be mentored by younger colleagues in areas where your boss may show some concern about your prowess.
4. Find the silver lining. The enthusiasm that a younger boss brings to the job can be contagious. Soak it up. “If you’ve ever managed other people, you know it can be hard work,” says Michelle Hynes, a career coach in Portland, Oregon. “Your supervisor will love you if you’re one of the people who makes it easy—and even fun.”
Be positive. “Cross-generational misunderstandings can arise in any relationship,” Hynes says. “But staying open to new learning, asking questions when something goes awry, and genuinely wanting a win- win situation will go a long way.”
The key to success in a younger-boss scenario? “Realize that you’re building a relationship that allows each of you to be successful in the workplace,” Hynes says. “Ask yourself: How can I be a good partner?”
And be curious, she advises: “Everyone’s experience has limits, and there’s always more to learn. What growth opportunities does
working with and for this person offer?”
Finally, be generous. “You have knowledge and networks built over many decades,” she says. “How can sharing these help your boss succeed?”
5. Get hip to texting. A younger manager will probably want to
communicate with you via e-mail or, better yet, text message rather than through face-to-face chats or the phone. Voice messages are passé. For the younger set, a missed cell phone call is an ignored cell phone call. Don’t resist. It’s up to you to adapt.
6. Prepare for less face time. For many younger managers, time spent in the office is not as vital as the results you produce. So your well- honed work ethic of being an early bird at your desk might not impress. The new regime may look more favorably on teleworking, especially if you can get more work done by not cooling your heels in rush-hour commutes.
Meetings are more likely to be via teleconferences and webinars.
Get acquainted with Web-based applications like Cisco WebEx, Google+ Hangouts, GoToMeeting, Join.me, and TeamViewer. See which platform your company or IT department prefers. If you
haven’t tried it at work, get comfortable by trying these platforms with someone outside the office.
7. Note your latest achievements. “Let go of the past,” Jones says. “It’s great to feel pride for accomplishments in past years, but know that you get no points for them in today’s workplace. Your boss is
focused on current challenges and wants to know regularly how you’re helping to address today’s problems and tomorrow’s goals.”
8. Steer away from age-centric comments. Avoid suggesting that something younger managers do is similar to something your adult children are doing, or bringing up what you were doing when you were their age. This sounds obvious, but sometimes it slips out because you’re thinking it. Your boss rarely wants to know that he or she reminds you of your child.
And skip the chitchat about your personal life that dates you. For example, Salpeter says, “There’s no need to bring up the fact that you’re expecting your third grandchild.”
9. Keep your skills current. If you’ve recently updated any software certifications or you are proficient in social media, let your boss know. Ask to take advantage of retraining opportunities to keep your entire tool kit sharp. You might also ask if you can take an online course or weekend workshop that will pump up your performance in some way. Maybe your company’s tuition reimbursement program will pay for it.
“Embrace new ways,” Jones says. “A young boss may assume that an older worker is resistant to change. Show it ain’t so. Make it your business to learn new technologies and stay up to date on industry trends. Your age will be irrelevant if your skills are fresh and your focus is on the future.”
10. Don’t act old. If you look and sound over the hill, your younger boss may assume your job skills are dated as well, Jones says. Pay
attention to what comes out of your mouth. Do you persistently complain about your achy back, remind folks how things were handled back in the day, or habitually refer to your age? “If so, you’re the one making age an issue,” she says.
Consider a style makeover, Jones says. Spruce up your wardrobe and hair to give them a fresh, updated look. Free personal shoppers are available at many department stores to help, or you can ask friends for tips.
And you might consider a mini-makeover. You don’t necessarily need to dye your hair or spring for Botox or a chemical peel for your face, but there are things you can do to have a more youthful glow.
If you aren’t physically fit, for instance, make that a priority and eat healthfully.
When you’re in shape and feel good about yourself, you have a certain vitality and oomph that people want to be around, regardless of your age. It subtly says, “I’m up for the job, bring it on.”