THE OLD lead the young - it is as natural as sunrise and as old as civilisation itself!
Alas, the workplace has turned this natural order of things topsy-turvy as seniority is no longer defined by age! Bosses are getting younger and younger and often, a 50+ employee reports to a 30-year-old manager. Wrinkles and grey hair are no longer synonymous with CEO's as fresh-faced and dapper-suited young tycoons take over the mantle. In fact, young bosses are managing employees almost twice their age.
In this scenario, it is predestined that cross-generational issues will raise its ugly head as working for/with young `whippersnappers' or `old fogies' is bound to drive the best of people around the edge. The two generations are as different as chalk and cheese. Everything, from management styles, attitudes, habits, beliefs and values to dressing will be poles apart.
The older employee faces a crisis as he is in a subordinate position and at times, even his job could be at stake. As Alex Ramsey, president of LodeStar Universal, a Dallas-based management consulting company outlines, `It is hard for older workers to adjust. They trudge along for years when suddenly, someone younger is set over them. They worry, perhaps rightly they will be tossed aside like an odd glove.'
However, there are no two ways about it; you have to work for him, even if he is still `wet behind the ears'. All is still not lost as the following can help those of us with mature experience to make the best of it.
Face it
For an older employee, being `led by a child' is tough. Like 51-year-old Carol Cobb working for a 31-year-old manager at ESCO Communications Inc., in Indianapolis fumes, `She's my son's age!'
This role reversal comes as a daunting blow to the ego as someone sadly inexperienced passes you up on the corporate ladder. Business writer, Joann S. Lublin points out that, `Older employees may have some resentment working for a brash upstart whose career is racing ahead faster than their own'. You have to face the uncomfortable truth, take it with a pinch of salt and not treat the situation like a personal insult aimed at you.
Accept it
Workplace agony aunt, Joan Lloyd points out, `Age is nothing but a number'. Don't take the sting personally and remember that the age of your boss is not what matters; doing the right work is what is important. Rather than focusing on why someone half your age makes twice your salary, work at being your best, which is the only thing you can totally control.
You have to take the lead in building a successful partnership as you have the advantage of hindsight - knowing what the younger person may be going through. Also remember that the under-fledged boss may be more nervous and insecure about supervising an older person!
Manage it
Here's how to put your best foot forward in bridging the gap of the age differential. Give him a chance - do not hold his youth against him; he may prove to be a smart and mature leader. Do not look at his age, but the capabilities he brings with him. After all, he wouldn't be there if he didn't deserve it. Make light of the difference and treat him, as you would like to be treated.
Respect the position - Just because the boss is almost half your age does not give you the liberty to be impertinent or obnoxious to him. Respect him for the role he has and follow the orders. Grey hair does not guarantee a good leader - look at the chair - not the hair!
Talk things out - Sit down and talk things over frankly. Be honest and forthright about the age and psychological differences to develop a symbiotic relationship. Get to know and understand each other as well as show that you are eager to help him succeed.
Stereotypes are meant to be broken - presumptions about older people abound in the mind of the young. Break the prejudice that you are stuck in a rut and consciously refrain from idiosyncrasies that may drive the young boss crazy. Be enthusiastic, ambitious, reliable, willing to change, easy to manage and accept new ideas.
Exorcise the phantoms - Do not pigeonhole the young boss as fickle, uncommitted, discourteous and self-centered young brat. The energetic and brimming with fresh ideas boss can waft in like a much-needed breath of fresh air.
Been there, done that - Do not belittle his ideas and suggestions with oblique references to the advantage of loads of experience. Drop the condescending overtone and the chip on your shoulder. You do not have to be apologetic about your age but neither should you demean him with constant comparisions to the `good old days'.
Stay up-to-date - Keep yourself current with new developments and learn new skills to overcome the generation gap. Adapt to the new way of doing things and adopt a radical outlook.
The imperceptible coach - It is your job to support your boss through thick and thin. Use your experience to subtly guide and encourage him towards the right path. However, do not smother him; he is not your son or daughter!
The boss and you may still not be able to share the same hobbies and interests and you may not hit the same hotspot together but a working friendship will surely bloom - given half a chance!
PAYAL AGARWAL
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