Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels There are particular difficulties involved in working under a boss that is somewhat younger. Given that many of us automatically associate age and authority with each other, it could feel weird to follow instructions from someone who is a few years younger than you. For the first time, many professionals are attempting to deal with the difficulties that come with having a younger boss as organizations in both the nonprofit and commercial sectors are increasingly employing younger people to occupy leadership positions.


The good news is that age need not be a point of contention while working together. Here's how to establish a productive working relationship with a younger employer.

Showing Respect When Your Superior is a Younger Person

Although it's easy to think a younger coworker has less experience, becoming a successful boss requires more than just putting in the necessary hours. Your boss most likely obtained the job due to their suitability for leadership in your industry. Experience is important, but so are accomplishments, motivation, hobbies, and professional objectives.

A supervisor who is your age or older deserves the same level of trust and respect as you have for your boss.

1. When they provide instructions, pay attention.
2. Make it clear that you welcome any comments they may have.
3. Don't assume you'll be given more duties automatically; instead, make an effort to demonstrate that you've earned them.

Remember that the idea of managing an older worker may make your employer feel threatened. They could be concerned that you are watching for them to make a mistake or that you know more than they do. There are easy methods to demonstrate your regard for their expertise:

1. Ask them for suggestions on issues you come across.
2. If they do make a mistake, be kind and courteous; resist the impulse to criticize them in front of other employees or point out what they did incorrectly.

Expressing Concepts to Your Younger Boss

Your supervisor should without a doubt benefit from the knowledge you've gained over the course of your career. You may have insights on logistics or approaches to dealing with certain individuals or circumstances. You'll soon prove to be a valued team member if you comprehend your boss's issues and provide ideas for solutions.

However, avoid lecturing, boasting, or treating your management with disrespect. Be mindful to speak about your own unique learning experiences while giving advice instead:

1. Try expressing "I've never considered this strategy before" or "That's a new concept, and I'm delighted to get on board" instead of "This isn't how we do things" or "This won't work for me." Do you mind if I share a few worries I have with you? or "I understand your perspective. May I share my viewpoint with you?

2. Try expressing, "In my experience, this has been most successful, but I'm open to new possibilities," or "This reminds me of a former circumstance," instead of, "Here's how to do it correctly," or "It's always been this way." Here is what happened and what I learned from it.

Negotiating Various Working Methods with a Younger Boss

Different generations are raised with various forms of technology and communication. Your manager could prefer texting or utilizing a chat program like Slack over a method of communication you're more used to.

Discussions regarding expectations in this regard are crucial. How does your boss want to convey critical information to you, and how should you react? Should you often check your phone or email? Consider other approaches and come up with a compromise if a certain way just doesn't work for you (for instance, if your personal mobile phone can't access an application your boss wants to use or you just don't feel comfortable utilizing your personal technology for work-related duties).

Ask inquiries about anything you don't understand as you get used to new workplace technology. No of your age, acquiring a new skill may be challenging. As industries develop and change, you and your boss will both be continuously learning on the job.

Flourishing as a Group

There will be disagreements between you and your boss, but this is true of every working relationship. Taking a step back and seeing the wider picture might be beneficial. Ask yourself, "What's the final goal? " if your employer makes a suggestion that you're inclined to reject. How would this further the goals we share? Consider the ways in which your decision may benefit the company.

Any uneasiness you have could be reduced if you see your relationship as a collaborative one rather than a competitive one. Take the time to analyze your capabilities and those of your employer since the two of you are in distinct jobs because you both have different strengths.

It could take some getting accustomed to being older than your boss, but if you're both dedicated to your work and can accept change, the partnership can work out very well.