In our current generation, it is possible to work for a boss who is younger than you. If you have worked somewhere, you will understand this but if you have not found a job, this may be difficult for you to understand. Let me bring it to your attention that our current corporate world is full of very young managers. It is quite easy to work under a very young manager especially if you are doing these jobs that are applicable across departments like:
1. Office work and office services.
2. Secretarial.
3. Messengers.
4. Cleaners.
5. General Supplies and Procurement.
6. IT.
7. Support Staff
1. Acknowledge their expertise. Be open to the fresh ideas and new approaches that a younger manager may bring to the job. Younger managers tend to be more vibrant and have fresh ideas because they are more into the world of commerce and IT. They are easily in touch with the world and they are current. Learn to appreciate this knowledge and share it both from him/ her and share your knowledge also.
2. Use electronic communication. A younger manager might prefer to interact with you via instant messenger, text message, or E-mail rather than face to face or on the phone. This is the safest way to communicate to a younger manager because electronic messages are easily edited and it is safer because you can monitor your language.
3. Don't expect too much face time. The number of hours you log at the office is generally less important to younger managers than the results you produce. Younger managers are also known as the Y – Generation which is a result oriented generation. If you are older, please produce results because to them it is not how long you stay in the office but the gravity of the results you produce.
4. Point out your results. Keep your boss up to date with your progress toward meeting goals. Ask questions when you are not sure, deliver on time, and try to overachieve. Tally your accomplishments, and make your boss aware of them on a regular basis. Instead of chatting about your decades of experience, talk about expectations you have exceeded over the past month or six months.
5. Act your age. Avoid comparing a younger manager to your adult children or talking about what you were doing at their age. The last thing the boss wants to hear is 'you remind me of my son.' Conversely, you don't need to prove yourself hip to 30-somethings. It is not appropriate to try to act younger than your age, dress younger, or try to disguise yourself as a younger individual in order to fit in.
6. Update your skills. When a manager introduces a new workflow system, take advantage of retraining opportunities. Think of it as a way to get paid while you learn new software programs and keep your skills up to date. Becoming proficient with the latest technology is key to staying employed in a difficult job market.
7. Don't compete. Some employees complain that their younger bosses act as if they know more than older workers when they don't or didn't earn their position. But it's best not to openly compete with a younger supervisor or belittle him or her because of age. Don't come across as being a know-it-all just because you have been around for a while, of course you know quite a bit, but that doesn't mean you know it all.
Whether a boss is younger or older, you have to portray respect and ooze wisdom. Be careful not to have a very close relationship with your boss. Maintain a very professional conduct and you will survive longer.
We at HCC wish you all the best.
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