Are you new to management? Your new manager training taught many skills that will help you be a success but chances are that little time was spent on tips for bridging the generation gap. If you are young, you can anticipate some real challenges as you strive to earn the respect of your older, more experienced team.
And you should know that the gap is not just in your head. According to a survey by Lee Hecht Harrison, 70 percent of older employees are dismissive of younger workers' abilities. Somehow you have to get over the “impostor syndrome” that greets you as you walk in the door of your new office and face the graying team you have been assigned.
Here are 4 tips to help you gain the respect you deserve.
1. Look the part. Make sure that the way you carry yourself shows self-confidence. Good posture makes you appear more relaxed and in control. Establish eye contact. This matters especially to older generations. And the firm handshake speaks, as well, to your confidence in who you are, what you can contribute, and your leadership ability.
2. Sound the part. There is an unfortunate habit in the twenty-somethings of what is called “up speak.” Their statements sound more like questions. It appears as if they are uncertain of what they are saying-just the opposite of the impression you want to make. Listen carefully to your speech patterns and be sure that you make your statements with a strong tone that does not rise at the end.
3. Be vulnerable at times. There is nothing to be gained by trying to dominate the team and pretending you know it all. You have much to learn from your team members who have been at the job longer than you. Be willing to ask questions and listen carefully to the answers. Try to achieve a balance between humility and your position of leadership. Be neither defensive nor overbearing and respect will come.
4. Accept the reality of the gap. Recognize that there will be some awkward moments…for both you and your team. A good sense of humor will help bridge any age gap. Beyond acceptance and humor, the best way to overcome the gap in the workplace is to build relationships based on what you can teach each other. The goal is mutual respect.
When all is said and done, remember that you were promoted to management because of your success at your previous role. Others showed their confidence in you. Now it is up to you to own the role and prove them right.
