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Working for a younger boss
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These days working for a younger boss is almost inevitable. Where once a string of accomplishments and competence were enough to move up the ladder, now the mantra is: “What have you done for me lately?” Lately is defined as yesterday.
So now you find yourself across the desk from a boss young enough to be your son or daughter. You feel a sense that the natural order has been upturned. You might even feel ashamed. As you shake hands the first time, you ask yourself: Didn’t my accomplishments mean anything? Where did I go wrong?
In fact you didn’t go wrong. Today’s marketplace is competitive and fast-changing. Companies have no choice but to hire outsiders, many very young, who can hit the ground running and launch a new businesses or technology fast. The critical factors now are time to market and specialized skills. Sometimes, even the new boss’s network of major players in the “space” or coming from the competition is key. To compete with that you would have had to abandoned your job and learn a whole new discipline.
This happened to me when my new boss was hired directly from the competition. He knew all the secrets of our most formidable competitor! And now he was one of us! Management salivated when he spoke. Could I have ever competed with that? Never.
So stop blaming yourself. Forget about life’s unfairness and stop second-guessing. Accept that you’re working with a younger boss and you have to get along. This is about survival in a fast moving world, and here’s what you can do:
Realize the first few months will cement your relationship. Because you’re the subordinate, it’s your job to get along with the boss. If you’ve been a key employee, you may decide to take the risk and threaten to leave or otherwise impose your power. Don’t do it. Eventually you’ll be shown exactly who is in charge, and it won’t be you.
Be approachable right away. Listen with an open mind and don’t shut down old ideas you know haven't worked until you can find a tactful way to do so. Take what he or she says seriously. If your young manager makes interpersonal faux pas, look past them and quietly set your own example of professionalism. The boss will learn from you.
Show your loyalty to the boss and loyalty to the cause. The single most important sense your boss must get from you is that you’re in it with him and want him to succeed. This is done by never grousing behind his back, working enthusiastically and using your experience to make suggestions that help you both succeed. Even if the boss doesn’t take your advice, he’ll know you’re a willing soldier.
Become the largest non-problem he has. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Don’t argue about office space or hours. Accept each assignment enthusiastically. If it’s something you know from experience doesn’t work, inform the boss but still do as he says. Get off his radar screen.
Look vigorous but keep your dignity. You want to look like you have the energy to do the job, so keeping fit and showing spirit is important. However, don’t lose your dignity by attempting to act young when you’re not. In my fifties I found myself with a boss and co-workers 20 years younger. I didn’t change to lace camisoles and tight skirts. Instead I dressed my age and used humor to bridge the generation gap. One day I found my boss in the kitchenette. He called me the “lady” of the group and thanked me for setting an example on proper business behavior. He told me he’d learned some things from me, and he thanked me. Believe me, it felt good.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the fastest growing age group is the 55-64 year olds. Their numbers doubled between 1995 and 2007. Now they're growing at 36% per year. So it’s inevitable that with an aging workforce, ever-changing technology, and rapid business innovation, new bosses will be younger indeed. Nobody is spared this phenomenon—not even the young boss himself. There will always be another skill, another new idea. The new boss will be replaced by someone with more current skills. Life takes no prisoners.
So take satisfaction in your accomplishments, even if you’re the only one left who remembers what they are. Do your best, roll with it, and learn like a sponge.
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