I am a manager at a store and I work with some people that are sometimes 40 years older than me. They work part time for extra income. I do my best to be fair but sometimes it is very hard to get through to them because they are so much older than me. How is it possible to really get through to older people when you are so younger than them? They seem set in their ways and look at me as some kid. It is difficult to give them instructions sometimes. How can I get through to them, get the job done and gain their respect?
2006-12-07 03:26:30 · 14 answers · asked by salieri.mozart 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Try "confiding" in them and asking for their suggestions on how to do your job better. People love to be asked for their opinion -- and, who can tell, maybe some of them will come up with good ideas! You'll probably do well, because you are smart enough to perceive the possibility of a difficult relationship between the generations. Take advantage of them -- let them "tell" you how to do it right!
2006-12-07 03:38:27 · answer #1 · answered by Jack430 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is usually symptomatic of their unease in their new position, and their fear that some of those people who have been with the company for many years, will probably know more about their job than they do at that time. They are nervous, frightened of being shown up as not fit for the role they now fill. Frightened of someone knowing more than they do. They also want to ensure that you all know that they are now the manager, so they do all of the things that you mentioned. What they really need at that time is a friend to help them through those early nervous weeks. So befriend them and help them and you might see a different side to them before anyone else does.
2016-03-13 04:21:42 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well i.m also a young manager like you and i consider i have gone through to my older employees. i did this by telling to myself that if i was the manager was just because i was well prepared for this..better than some of them ..you just have to show respect but at the same time strength knowledge character ...if you are the manager it means you are a leader and as leader you have to feel ...set meetings from now and then to know how they feel and what they want from this job.. be the first to get to work and do as much as you can leave the rest for them
2006-12-07 03:51:20 · answer #3 · answered by jose luis p 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well treat them with kindness and respect...most older people already have you sized up. They need their dignity...as long as you understand that they are working their for lack of money. Put yourself in their shoes...someday you will be elderly and Social Security may not be enough...or may not be there at all. You may wind up at a job..just like them working for a youth. It sometimes is demeaning...considering some of them have had life long careers....experience in doing much more than what you yourself are doing now.
2006-12-07 03:35:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Instead of delivering orders, why don't you pose your challenges and problems to them and let them come up with suggestions on how to solve the problems?
Many of these folks have had significant careers and are just working to keep up their intellects and get some extra bucks - they would love a chance to use their brain power! If the ideas come from the workers, you don't have to "get through" to anyone.
Even if you have order to deliver from "on high" you can pose these as a problem - "corporate wants us to be sure that the widgets are organized just so on the shelves. How can we be sure we maintain the displays?"
2006-12-07 03:33:00 · answer #5 · answered by kramerdnewf 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm in that situation now, my boss is my daughters age, 22..they went to school together !!!
I could strangle him, he's obnoxious & on a power trip..
If he'd just act like somebody & not a know it all, cuz he doesn't know crap...
he can count money & that's it.
He has no people skills & can't keep help..
2006-12-07 03:35:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
With as much respect as possible. Include them in the process. Like- "I've been wondering what we can do about this... I was thinking .... what can you suggest?" This is a tricky one... but real sincere respect (respect whatever you can) will take you a long way. Do not belittle.
2006-12-07 03:35:26 · answer #7 · answered by boots&hank 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Be fair, that's good. Another thing I do is solicit ideas from them occasionally. It makes them feel like they have a purpose and makes them feel like a part of the group.
2006-12-07 03:30:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Leave. Or start being a hard a.s.s.
There's no way to change them and they're not going to respect you because you're young and they're old and they failed to advance in life, so start being hard on them. They'll piss, *********, moan and complain either way but you'll get your work done.
2006-12-07 03:34:47 · answer #9 · answered by BiyGuy 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I assume you are the manager for a reason. Let whoever is working under you that what you say goes and if they don't listen they will be fired.
2006-12-07 03:30:40 · answer #10 · answered by Craig 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋