When you're younger than the people you manage

Feel as though the age difference between you and your team creates awkwardness? Let's unpack it

One of the most common insecurities we have when stepping into a management role is managing someone older than us.

We all believe in the wisdom that comes with age, so we put extra effort into gaining trust, respect, and approval from our older team members.

But we need to make sure we never let these insecurities hold us back.

I’ve broken down 3 key things you need to know and do when it comes to managing people older than you.

1. Call it out

The first step in any relationship you’re feeling uneasy about is to take control of the situation by calling it out and having a conversation with the other person.

Go to a person in your team that is older than you, and let them know that you sometimes feel a little uneasy about the manager-employee relationship because of age difference, but that you respect their experience, and it is incredibly valuable to you and the team.

Assure them that you will be actively listening to them to learn, and that you can’t wait to work with them in the coming months and years.

Calling out the insecurities gives you back control over them.

2. Be self aware

We worry about not being taken seriously by our colleagues, we think "I appear too young," or "Maybe I act too young." Then we spiral into whether our team will ever respect us.

To overcome these thoughts, try shifting your focus to look for any real-world evidence that supports and contradicts your concerns.

Ask yourself, "Would I have been promoted if my supervisor and the company believed I was incompetent?" The answer is likely no.

Look for facts, instead of creating a world inside you’re head where someone doesn’t respect you because of your age.

Regardless of the findings, consistently remind yourself: You are capable. You deserve to be in this leadership position, and you can do incredible things whilst you’re in it.

3. Have a growth over perfection mindset

Don’t focus on being right, just focus on getting better.

That way, when you f*k up, it doesn’t matter.

When you seek growth, you’re not bothered about being perfect and you’re not looking to win everyone’s approval.

You instead figure out what learning needs to happen and lean into it.

Ultimately you’ll become way less scared of failure, and stop letting that fear hold you back from all the growth you deserve.

Summary

You’re not alone in this.

When I ask people ‘what is your greatest leadership struggle right now’ their age compared to their team i sited over and over again as one of the biggest worries.

So keep going using the principles above and it will start to feel much easier.

You got this.

Peace,

Heather

P.S. I’ve got big plans for my YouTube channel in 2024, so make sure to be one of the first to subscribe.