6 Tips for Baby Boomers to Cope with a Younger Boss
If you’re a gainfully employed baby boomer, please accept my congratulations on your good fortune. However, many boomers are saddled with a boss who is a young, less-experienced Millennial. That can be hard to take but it doesn’t have to be.
Much has been written about the differences between Millennial Generation managers vis-à-vis older, more experienced workers. You are certainly challenged in working for someone half your age, especially if you’re viewed as old and stodgy.
To deal with your situation, here are six suggestions:
Accept the situation. As in any stressful turmoil, there are three stages of emotions – Shock and denial (how can this be?); anger and depression; and understanding and acceptance.
Acceptance doesn’t mean being a milquetoast. It doesn’t mean being a slave to a situation. It means analyzing your options and determining how to make the best of the situation. If your younger boss is new to you and you’re nervous, here’s how to deal with it.
Inventory your boss’s strengths and weaknesses. Chances are there good reasons why the person was selected to be your boss. Focus on those talents instead of the negatives. Respect the person’s strengths. Be seen as a “Jovial Joe or Jane,” not as a water-cooler gossip.
Treat your boss as a learning opportunity for growth. Perhaps this supervisor has been promoted for an excellent performance elsewhere. Concentrate on areas in which you can grow by watching and listening to your boss.
The adage, “What goes around, comes around,” is apropos. If you treat your supervisor with the utmost respect and dignity, you’ll probably be treated the same way.
Be proud of your talents. Keep in mind you have valuable education, experience and insights. Know what they are. Provide them to benefit the welfare of your organization. Both you and your boss will be gratified.
Don’t lose sight of your career objectives. Don’t waste time comparing your situation to a rising Millenial. Let go of any sadness or regrets. Continue to fine-tune your workplace strengths and eliminate your weaknesses. Continue to pursue your goals.
Work on your physical and mental capacities. Take vacations. Exercise regularly. Enjoy your hobbies. Read voraciously. Regularly participate in whatever recharges your emotional battery. And enjoy your family and friends.
P.S. Note to Millennial bosses, you have to do your part, too. You’ll increase your chances for success if you read this article: Slow Motion Gets You There Faster.
From the Coach’s Corner, here are more suggested readings:
- Do You Have A Toxic Relationship With Your Boss?
- How To Deal With An Oppressive Employer
- 8 Tips on How to Ask Your Boss for a Pay Raise
- Need a Career Change? 10 Steps for a Career Makeover
- Dos and Don’ts: How to Advance Your Career via Your Boss’s Boss
- 24 Tips to Reduce Stress, Work Happier for Top Performance
“Show me a man who is a good loser and I’ll show you a man who is playing golf with his boss.”
-Jim Murray
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Author Terry Corbell has written innumerable online business-enhancement articles, and is a business-performance consultant and profit professional. Click here to see his management services. For a complimentary chat about your business situation or to schedule him as a speaker, consultant or author, please contact Terry.
