Age is just a number for many seniors in today’s online work from home setup.
The growing popularity of work from home jobs enables them to continue working so they can remain active members of society.
However, the increasing number of remote working seniors can pose a challenge for anyone who isn’t used to managing team members 10-20 years older than them.
Although older employees don’t mind working under someone younger and vice versa, this setup is not without challenges.
The most common challenges faced by older workers working with younger managers include dissimilar work ethics/values and leadership and learning styles.
For younger managers, managing older team members means dealing with their difficulty using new technology.
To help you overcome these challenges that come with having to practice leadership with senior employees, follow these tips:
Be Confident in Yourself
When we were younger, we were taught to always respect our elders.
Because of this, it can be awkward and intimidating to exert authority over someone older than you.
Remember, there’s a reason you’re the manager in the first place. Just because you’re younger doesn’t mean you can’t lead people older than you.
However, respect should also be earned, so you must display enough competence to lead a team.
Remain Open-Minded
Slow to adapt. Conservative. Bad with technology.
These are just some of the most common negative stereotypes associated with remote working seniors.
That said, like all stereotypes, the opposite can often be just as correct, if not more so.
Older workers can be eager to learn new skills, just as millennials or Gen Zs can be inflexible at work.
As a manager, you must learn to look past these generalizations. Productivity and efficiency are determined by age, so give your older team members a chance to prove themselves.
Be Open to Feedback
A hallmark trait of an effective manager is their ability to take constructive criticism.
Asking for your older team member’s feedback won’t make you look incapable. Quite the opposite since you can take advantage of their experience to improve as a leader.
So, the next time you’re unsure about how to proceed with a task or problem, don’t be afraid to consult your older team members.
They can provide unique insights you may have not thought of, and this gesture can help your older members feel valued and appreciated within the team.
Take Time to Get to Know Your Older Team Members
Since they’re from a different generation, it can be difficult for older employees to connect with the other members of your team.
You can help establish rapport with them within the team by setting regular one-on-one huddles or icebreaker activities between the members before daily meetings, for instance.
You don’t need to be friends with them. However, understanding their motivations and aspirations can help you lead them more effectively.
Be Upfront About Your Expectations Early On
As stated above, a common challenge for many older employees working under young managers is differences in leadership styles.
Because of this, it’s best to share how you want things done as early as possible. Doing so helps them understand your expectations and establishes clear and direct channels of communication.
Encourage Them to Develop New Skills
Change is the name of the game in the modern workplace. Those who can adapt to it best will thrive.
Although your older team members may have years or even decades of experience, keeping up with these changes can still be challenging.
To help them remain competitive and productive at work, you should identify their areas of improvement and offer support.
If they’re having difficulty using an app or process, walk them through it so they can do it themselves next time.
Doing so helps boost their productivity, as well as their confidence in their abilities.
Bridging the (Age) Gap
Navigating generational diversity in the remote workplace can be tricky, particularly if you’re managing team members who are significantly older than you.
Fortunately, by following the tips above, you can become a better manager to your older team members.
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