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What If Your Boss is Younger Than You?
February 6th, 2010
Thanks to all the business restructuring and/or downsizing going on, many people find their positions and rolls have been changed. Members of generations X and Y are climbing the management ladder faster than you can say “boss”, and others are getting skipped over for various reasons. While many people have found they are able to adjust to new work arrangements where they are now working for a young boss, still more are uncomfortable with such a situation. It seems that no matter how mature you are about this type of setup, working for a boss who is younger than you can be a bit touchy. Fear not, however, as we have compiled a list of tips on how to deal with the situation.
1. Reorient your thinking. Having a younger boss shouldn’t have any bearing on your success. Oftentimes, a younger boss’s rapid climb emerges from the company’s decision to make use of the fresh talent to shake things up in the office. Don’t be insecure if your boss is roughly the age of your oldest child —make use of this opportunity to learn something new from a younger standpoint.
2. Stop whining and complaining. Gossiping and whining about your younger boss won’t get you his/her position, nor will it help the situation. Be mature about this — doing the aforementioned negative things will not only make you look immature, but it might also get you in trouble for being unprofessional.
3. Do not upstage your boss. She may look like she’s the same age as your recently graduated daughter, but the reality is that she is still your boss. Naturally, this means that you should show her respect at all times.
4. Do a skills update. Sometimes companies and offices hire these younger talents because they are “in the know” about all the latest technology in their field. In line with this, don’t let your skills become outdated. Learn what’s new in the industry and maybe even sign up for some seminars or classes that will allow you to add some new weapons to your arsenal. This could do a lot for your career. Additionally, it will allow you to further connect with your younger boss as you find some common ground.
5. Bridge the generation gap. Your boss may have a higher position than you do, but it doesn’t mean that he or she is not open to suggestions. Be sure, however, that you are tactful in giving your advice or sharing your opinions. Needless to say, don’t lecture or reprimand him (like you would a child). Instead, show that you respect his ideas and appreciate that he listens to yours as well. No matter how uncomfortable the arrangement may be, don’t give up on the thought of establishing a good working relationship with your younger boss. With these tips, you could be well on your way to doing exactly that.
