Having A young boss
to report to can lead to feelings of insecurity and discouragement
among older employees. However, accepting the opportunity and focusing
on what can be learnt from it can help one sail through.
1. Accept the Situation
Dr Shalini Sarin, director, HR at Schneider Electric India, reports to a younger boss and says it has never been a deterrent. "It is important to treat a younger boss as any other boss," she says. Professionals must stop trying to fight the situation, says Amit Nandkeolyar, assistant professor of organisational behaviour at ISB.
2. Take the Best
Sarin feels professionals should focus on what they can learn from the younger boss. "Young or old, the boss possesses certain traits you can learn from. For instance, young professionals have a lot of energy and if that rubs off on you, it creates a lot of positivity and adds value to a workplace," she says. "A younger boss may be less experienced but smarter, may possess more skill sets or may have better educational qualifications than you," says Nandkeolyar.
3. Learn a New Skill
Technology and the way we work are constantly changing, and it helps if older professionals make attempts to reskill themselves. "It could be a new software system or skill set. The important point is to constantly update oneself with new techniques to get work done and gain your boss' trust," says Nandkeolyar.
4.Create Value
Instead of living in the past, and talking about how things were, it is important for individuals to demonstrate their abilities upfront.
5. Show Respect
"Treat a young boss like you treat a boss — with complete respect," says Sarin. "One should also seek frequent collaborations with the boss to break the ice," she adds.
1. Accept the Situation
Dr Shalini Sarin, director, HR at Schneider Electric India, reports to a younger boss and says it has never been a deterrent. "It is important to treat a younger boss as any other boss," she says. Professionals must stop trying to fight the situation, says Amit Nandkeolyar, assistant professor of organisational behaviour at ISB.
2. Take the Best
Sarin feels professionals should focus on what they can learn from the younger boss. "Young or old, the boss possesses certain traits you can learn from. For instance, young professionals have a lot of energy and if that rubs off on you, it creates a lot of positivity and adds value to a workplace," she says. "A younger boss may be less experienced but smarter, may possess more skill sets or may have better educational qualifications than you," says Nandkeolyar.
3. Learn a New Skill
Technology and the way we work are constantly changing, and it helps if older professionals make attempts to reskill themselves. "It could be a new software system or skill set. The important point is to constantly update oneself with new techniques to get work done and gain your boss' trust," says Nandkeolyar.
4.Create Value
Instead of living in the past, and talking about how things were, it is important for individuals to demonstrate their abilities upfront.
5. Show Respect
"Treat a young boss like you treat a boss — with complete respect," says Sarin. "One should also seek frequent collaborations with the boss to break the ice," she adds.
Source : The Economic Times, Sept 14, 2012
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