If you find yourself in a situation where you are reporting to someone who could technically be your son or daughter, it may be a difficult situation to cope with. Here are some sound tips to make the best of the situation…
Advice to the boomer employee reporting to the Gen-Y boss:
- Let go of your ego: Resisting change will only harm your career and make you less valuable.
- Solve problems instead of creating them: Be part of the solution rather than creating new problems because of the situation.
- Be the wise direct report: If you think your new, younger boss lacks experience & context, offer insight and mentorship if he/she is open to it.
- Don’t be the stick in the mud: Your new boss may have been hired to bring in new ideas and initiatives. By refusing to go along because your ego is getting in the way, you are getting in the way of your own career progression and possibilities.
- Avoid belittling your boss: Stay away from the “awww, you remind me of my daughter/son” comments. Treat your boss the way you would want to be treated. I’m sure you don’t want to hear, “aww, you remind me of my mom/dad.”
Of course, following this advice is sometimes easier said than done. However, the bottom line is that you have an opportunity to help your new boss learn effective ways to manage an intergenerational team and serve as a wise sage in the process. Stay tuned for next week’s blog, which will focus on tips for the young manager leading an older team.