You’ve been working with the company for over a decade; have surpassed almost every trying situation and then comes a time when you are expected to report to a boss who was probably entering kindergarten when you graduated from high school? Yes, this is a situation that many veterans have to face in today’s world. Belonging to an era when the young, techno-savvy generation takes over, it is not the best feeling in the world when you are expected to take orders from someone who is younger than you, both in age and experience. Gen Y employees are now seen managing people double their age and experience. Here are a few tips on how to deal with a boss who’s young.
Be open to changeSharing a positive attitude and having mutual respect for each other is half the battle won. A new boss brings with him a different set of thoughts, and fresh guidelines on how work is to be done. Be open to change, try doing things differently. The biggest blooper is to negatively comment on the system of working a new boss brings in. Do not keep insisting on following the old pattern of work, which in turn, surpasses the authority of a new boss. Suggest, offer assistance, try new methods, to break the nutshell that you have been working in.
Never competeNiranjan Pradhan, a retired retail professional recalls his experience on working with a boss who was half his age, “Initially, I was surprised. I never imagined working with someone who had comparatively less work experience than I did. However, as time passed, I did realise that the young boss brought with him fresh ideas, better technological support and even better managerial skills.” The idea is to work on parallel lines but not compete. While veterans have experience, the young bring with them fresh ideas and innovations. The mantra is to contribute, suggest, and be yourself!
Share your skillsLet your new boss know of your skill sets, the projects you have successfully completed in the past, and your previous managerial experience. Introduce yourself, and share the responsibilities you currently handle. Don’t boast about your experience – just let him know, and make sure you share this at the right time. “The best way to share your thoughts with a boss who’s young and new is during an informal chat. Let the conversation be a general discussion and not a marathon boasting session,” shares Lipika Shah, a writer turned freelancer.
Adapt to technologyYou believe in the traditional method of checking mails on your computer, while your young boss uses his handset to do the same. Don’t take offence if he suggests the use of faster technology. Be open to fresh technology that a young boss brings to the job. “Employees are usually comfortable with a system of work in place, and are generally hesitant to change their style of working. Therefore, a boss who introduces new platforms of work is often criticised. It’s important to adapt to new ways, be it technology or otherwise,” advises Asha Nadkarni, an accounts professional.
Act your ageOne mistake that most experienced professionals make is to ape what their new boss does. However young they are, the fact is that he is the boss. Dress and behave like you always do; don’t try to act younger than you actually are. A mature professional is respected a lot more than somebody who is constantly trying to disguise himself just to fit into the crowd. “With a new boss in place, a lot changed initially. So much so that people tried to replicate the dressing style of our new boss. However, with age difference, and my personal dressing sense, I stuck to what I usually wore,” explains Pradhan.
Transparency of work
Transparency is one factor that shapes an employee-boss relation. Even though the boss is young, make sure you update him periodically. Whether the job given to you is done or not, make sure your boss knows about it. This, not only increases your credibility as a team mate, but also helps the boss trust you for future ventures.
Be open to changeSharing a positive attitude and having mutual respect for each other is half the battle won. A new boss brings with him a different set of thoughts, and fresh guidelines on how work is to be done. Be open to change, try doing things differently. The biggest blooper is to negatively comment on the system of working a new boss brings in. Do not keep insisting on following the old pattern of work, which in turn, surpasses the authority of a new boss. Suggest, offer assistance, try new methods, to break the nutshell that you have been working in.
Never competeNiranjan Pradhan, a retired retail professional recalls his experience on working with a boss who was half his age, “Initially, I was surprised. I never imagined working with someone who had comparatively less work experience than I did. However, as time passed, I did realise that the young boss brought with him fresh ideas, better technological support and even better managerial skills.” The idea is to work on parallel lines but not compete. While veterans have experience, the young bring with them fresh ideas and innovations. The mantra is to contribute, suggest, and be yourself!
Share your skillsLet your new boss know of your skill sets, the projects you have successfully completed in the past, and your previous managerial experience. Introduce yourself, and share the responsibilities you currently handle. Don’t boast about your experience – just let him know, and make sure you share this at the right time. “The best way to share your thoughts with a boss who’s young and new is during an informal chat. Let the conversation be a general discussion and not a marathon boasting session,” shares Lipika Shah, a writer turned freelancer.
Adapt to technologyYou believe in the traditional method of checking mails on your computer, while your young boss uses his handset to do the same. Don’t take offence if he suggests the use of faster technology. Be open to fresh technology that a young boss brings to the job. “Employees are usually comfortable with a system of work in place, and are generally hesitant to change their style of working. Therefore, a boss who introduces new platforms of work is often criticised. It’s important to adapt to new ways, be it technology or otherwise,” advises Asha Nadkarni, an accounts professional.
Act your ageOne mistake that most experienced professionals make is to ape what their new boss does. However young they are, the fact is that he is the boss. Dress and behave like you always do; don’t try to act younger than you actually are. A mature professional is respected a lot more than somebody who is constantly trying to disguise himself just to fit into the crowd. “With a new boss in place, a lot changed initially. So much so that people tried to replicate the dressing style of our new boss. However, with age difference, and my personal dressing sense, I stuck to what I usually wore,” explains Pradhan.
Transparency of work
Transparency is one factor that shapes an employee-boss relation. Even though the boss is young, make sure you update him periodically. Whether the job given to you is done or not, make sure your boss knows about it. This, not only increases your credibility as a team mate, but also helps the boss trust you for future ventures.
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