I supervise someone failry older than I am and often feel resistance to take on new ways to work in our field. She isn't necessarily performing badly, but I am not able to more for my department because of it. Any suggestions on how to better communicate and negotiate in this situation without coming off as "agist?"
2006-07-07 13:37:58 · 10 answers · asked by andres h 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Be respectful. Be sure to display the fact that you know what you are doing. In other words always be sure of yourself and your desicions. Also, be open to suggestions from her, but do not allow her to take over your job. Again, you must be respectful and obvious that you deserve to be in the position that you are in.
2006-07-07 13:45:05 · answer #1 · answered by firedup 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would make her feel important. Give her little responsibilities that seem important. Remind her of how vital she is to the success of the company. Ask her for her input and advice a lot so she doesn't feel like she is being bossed around. She needs to feel useful. Tell her your section needs some new ideas on how to get things done and you were thinking about xyz ideas. Ask her how she feels about those and if she has any others. Make sure you thank her for her input and that you will think about what she said. If you can, try to implement at least one of her ideas or an idea she liked. It will make her feel important.
Also, try to find out what types of things she respects...a hard worker? a professional dresser? who knows...but then try to earn her respect as best you can while still being yourself. Then she will see that you got the job you have for a reason, you are good at it.
Good Luck!
2006-07-07 20:45:38 · answer #2 · answered by az 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Defer to her. Ask for her advice, get her suggestions. Help her to understand that she is contributing to the department, and get her to work with you. If she gives you suggestions that aren't necessarily what you have in mind, take the good parts of it. Give her projects that work on her strengths, for instance, if she's creative, have her to a monthly newsletter. If she's been with the company for awhile, she's probably very loyal, give her some type of responsibility and let her know that you only trust her to do it.
Hope this helps.
2006-07-07 20:44:38 · answer #3 · answered by hop0409 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How are you presenting these 'new ways'? Are you helping her to understand WHY you want things done differently? Sometimes people resist things they don't understand, but if you help them see that it makes their work easier (and better) they'll be willing advocates for the new system.
Not sure what you mean by "I am not able to more for my department because of it" -- but maybe that's just because I'm old....
2006-07-07 20:43:07 · answer #4 · answered by old lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try to not come accros as being c o c k y or a know it all. if the lady is older she is most likely set in some of her ways. try to ask her for some advice on things and she might be more open towards you.most of all show her the respect she desrves as being older. hope this helps.
2006-07-07 20:54:27 · answer #5 · answered by ccc 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had that experience when I was 22. I suddenly found myself with 8 guys who were at least twice my age. There were several other guys who were all about my age and they were no problem.
I just called a meeting with the 'Old Guys' and explained how glad I was to have all their experience on our team. I told them to feel free to quietly tell me if they caught me in any mistakes.
It worked. I worked with them for a couple of years and I couldn't do anything wrong.
2006-07-07 20:52:54 · answer #6 · answered by PBarnfeather 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just treat her like every one else .if she's been there longer then you then she probably feels intiminated that an younger person that hasn't been there that long is telling her what to do . but ol well just do your job and and treat everyone equal and you'll be great good luck .sometimes its not a good idea to get to chummy with your employees they tend to get lazy and feel its ok to slack off .and it's normal if they dont agree with some of your orders but oh well you have a job to do also they aren't paying your bills or putting food on your plate right ?it will be fine .
2006-07-07 20:47:02 · answer #7 · answered by BIGL 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Respect her experience. Don't patronize her and let her have her say. See what she has to say she might contribute sometime you can use. If you do use some idea she offered make sure you share the credit for it with her.
2006-07-07 20:40:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you have to develop a mutual respect. in every job i've had i had to supervise someone older, if you develop respect there is no problem. you need to respect them and they need to respect you.
2006-07-07 20:41:38 · answer #9 · answered by sparkydog_1372 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
:)
2006-07-07 20:42:24 · answer #10 · answered by Josh 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋