5 Tips for Leading Employees Who Are Older Than You
Source: Refresh Employment Professionals, Refresh Leadership Newsletter, Dec 2018
5 Tips for Leading Employees Who Are Older Than You – As younger generations advance in their careers and start to take on more prominent roles within their companies, it’s very likely many will find themselves in a position where they may have direct reports who are older, and in many ways, more experienced.
It can be a tricky position for a young leader, so it’s vitally important to get off on the right foot when taking on a new leadership role. Here are a few things for young leaders to keep in mind when leading older employees.
Be confident, but not arrogant.
Confidence can be your most powerful tool. A team will rally behind leaders who show they believe in their abilities and have a clear vision of how and where they want to lead. However, there’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Acting like you’re above those you lead only breeds contempt. Actions speak louder than words, so be prepared to show every employee that you not only believe in yourself and have the skills to lead, but that you are also willing to walk the walk.
Validate their experience.
Even though a young leader may have truly earned a position of leadership over older co-workers, it doesn’t mean they automatically know everything. It’s important to always give credit where credits is due. Older employees often have the benefit of years of experience behind them, so young leaders should be willing to tap into that knowledge. Ask for input and opinions. Validate their experience and learn from those workers who have been around and have valuable insight to offer.
Understand the generations.
Every generation has its own opinions about those that came before and those that follow. The values, beliefs, and work ethics of one generation may not have any bearing on another, so it’s important to understand the different generations in the workplace and what motivates each one. Great leaders understand that what drives a Baby Boomer to achieve is likely going to be completely different than what a Millennial needs to perform at their best. There’s a delicate balance between the generations, but with a little understanding, it will be much easier to bridge any gaps.
Be patient.
We all get set in our ways. It’s just human nature. So, when a young leader comes rushing into a team at full throttle and starts making major changes on day one, they’re likely to step on a few toes. In many cases, processes or strategies that may seem out of date or inefficient on the surface are in place for a good reason. Taking time, in the beginning, to understand team dynamics and getting to know each employee’s strengths, weaknesses, motivations, and visions for success will pay off in the long run when you initiate major changes.
Think of yourself as a leader, not a manager.
In the end, it’s often a matter of perception. Rather than acting as a manager, your team feels like they have to “report” to, try to be seen as a leader they want to rally behind. No matter their age, if you can earn an employee’s respect, the most difficult part of leading them is over. Once you’ve shown you are confident and competent, getting a team to work with and follow you comes naturally.
