Reality: 5 Ways To Work With A Younger Boss

The workplace is changing and the reality is  you may find yourself working for a younger supervisor/boss.  It may not be a situation your are comfortable with or even like but it’s the real world.  A survey by Harris interactive and CareerBuilder showed that 69 % percent of workers ages 55 and older currently have a young manager.  This generational gap can create some challenges.  Some of these can be more difficult to address than others.  What should you do if you are working for a younger boss?

1.  They got there for a reason.  So no matter what their age, treat your supervisor the same way you would have treated the ‘older’ version.  They have the expertise, so acknowledge it and learn from it.  Check your baggage at the door.  It’s a new environment, embrace and learn from it.

2.  Be confident in what you bring to the party.  Focus on your job skills and how they can help you, your team and your boss move ahead.  Don’t lecture about how it was done, rather it’s time to focus on possible ways to get it done.

3.  Digital skills are a must.  You have to know the importance of social media platforms and be conversant about new apps, sites, platforms.  Be interested and want to update these skills.  The digital age is here to stay.  Get on board.  Being dismissive of it may make people believe you are resistant to change.  Use digital communication, text/IM and your cellphone.

4.  Make your look contemporary/current.  Dressing like it’s 1960, won’t cut it.  While you don’t have to be on trend, you need an updated style.  You want to show your boss you are not an antique waiting to retire.

5.  Produce.  Younger managers don’t see being at your desk 24/7 as important.  They look for results and productivity.

It really doesn’t matter if your boss is younger, older or tougher.  You must learn to deal with it and prove yourself.  Today’s world is digital. If you want to work in it, learn it.