It seems to be happening more and more. Not only does the next ‘bright young thing’ come into a workplace and rise rapidly to a supervisory or managerial position, but many 'older' people are opting to leave a career – whether voluntary or not - and reinvent themselves into another career, or come back to work after a time away. If the younger person is also not partnered and doesn't have children, they’ll generally have more time to devote to work and can be quite driven.
A younger boss can be a relationship that works really well if you’re both willing to make it so. You can become quite indispensable.
Here's some advice on how to deal with it.
1. Keep the conversation current. You’ve got runs on the board and impressive skills. So demonstrate why you’re an integral part of the company instead of talking about past credentials. “Don't undermine your opportunity to gain traction by telling your boss that back in the old days you did things differently and better,” says Ellen Lubin-Sherman, author of The Essentials of Fabulous: Because Whatever Doesn't Work Here Anymore. “Your job is to master the details of today's workplace and play on the boss's team.”
2. Focus on your boss’s strengths. Whether you agree with her appointment or not, your boss’ skills landed her there for a reason, so focus on those rather than her shortcomings. You may have a child around the same age, and it might be tempting to treat your boss like one, but she also got to this position because she has something to offer. “Don’t focus on the differences based on your years but get to know their motivations and interests,” says Maria Forrest, an executive search research manager in Sydney. “This is an advantage you have over them because life experience will generally give you a better appreciation of this aspect of people.”
But recognise that Gen Y are generally into collaboration, they’re trusting and they’re tech savvy.
3. Be empathetic. If working for a younger boss really makes you uncomfortable, consider that the feelings might actually be mutual. “The new young manager may be quite insecure about this situation,” says Lubin-Sherman. “Acknowledge that it may be awkward for both of you and actively ask how you can both support each other.” It's important the relationship works for both of you.
4. Be adaptable. Remember the days when e-mails were grammatically correct and perfectly set out, without LOLs or smiley faces? Your new boss may not! “Don’t read too much into a terse or short e-mail from your boss,” says Lubin-Sherman. “She’s not being rude or disrespectful – she just gets right to the point.” Accept the new way to communicate without compromising your professional beliefs. “Younger professionals tend to use shortcuts when writing an e-mail but it doesn't mean you have to. Those ‘old world’ values still have a place in the world of work and will underscore your competence and skill set,” says Lubin-Sherman.
5. Help your boss help you. A successful company often means job security, so letting go of biases and actually helping to raise awareness of the strengths of your new boss might just help you in the long run. “When a company has a leader who is well-respected in the industry, it only helps the rest of the employees in terms of reputation of the company or organisation, or in going for the next job,” says Forrest.
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