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How to Cope with a Younger Boss

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Thanks to all the business restructuring and/or downsizing going on, many people find their positions and rolls have been changed.  Members of generations X and Y are climbing the management ladder faster than you can say “boss”, and others are getting skipped over for various reasons.  While many people have found they are able to adjust to new work arrangements where they are now working for a young boss, still more are uncomfortable with such a situation. It seems that no matter how mature you are about this type of setup, working for a boss who is younger than you can be a bit touchy. Fear not, however, as we have compiled a few tips on how to deal with the situation.

1.  Reorient your thinking.  Having a younger boss shouldn’t have any bearing on your success.  Quiet often, a younger boss’s rapid climb emerges from the company’s decision to make use of the fresh talent to shake things up in the office. Don’t be insecure if your boss is roughly the age of your oldest child —make use of this opportunity to learn something new from a younger standpoint.

2.  Stop whining and complaining.  Gossiping and whining about your younger boss won’t get you anywhere and it won’t help the situation one bit. Be mature about this — being negative or complaining will not only make you look immature, but it might also get you in trouble for being unprofessional.  

3.  Do not upstage your boss.  She may look like she’s the same age as your recently graduated daughter, but the reality is that she is still your boss. Naturally, this means that you should show her respect at all times, just as you would with any of your other work colleagues.  Being seen as a grumpy old person isn’t going to win you any friends.

4.  Do a skills update.  Sometimes companies and offices hire these younger talents because they are "in the know" about all the latest technology in their field.  In line with this, don’t let your skills become outdated. Learn what’s new in the industry and maybe even sign up for some seminars or classes that will allow you to add some new weapons to your arsenal.  This could do a lot for your own self-esteem and your kudos around the office as well as demonstrating that you are willing to adapt and to learn.  Additionally, it will allow you to further connect with your younger boss as you find some common ground.

5.  Bridge the generation gap.  Your boss may have a higher position than you do, but it doesn’t mean that he or she is not open to suggestions.  Be sure, however, that you are tactful in giving your advice, sharing your opinions or even passing on the benefit of your experience.  Needless to say, don’t lecture or reprimand him (like you might with your children).  Instead, show that you respect his ideas and appreciate that he listens to yours as well.  

No matter how uncomfortable the arrangement may be, don’t give up on the thought of establishing a good working relationship with your younger boss. With these tips, you could be well on your way to doing exactly that.

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