Generations at Work [Part 3]
Generations at Work [Part 3]
The Generation Taking Over Company Management
Suggested Introduction: Baby Boomers are continuing to leave the modern workforce at significant rates. Taking over their roles and responsibilities are younger employees who may face difficulties (whether personal or external) when it comes to managing colleagues with more years in the industry. It is critical that companies set this new generation of management up for success in order to ensure continued growth and employee satisfaction.
Article Title: Meet Your New Upper and Middle Managers
Generation Y (or Millennials) has been labeled as entitled and lazy by older generations. These stereotypes have made it challenging for them to be taken seriously in the workplace—even more so as they begin to move into management roles.
Gaining trust and acceptance from colleagues can be challenging for any new leader, but particularly if you are managing individuals who are older than you. According to a survey by Harris Interactive on behalf of CareerBuilder.com, 69% of workers 55 and older report to a younger manager.
The sudden increase in younger management is a result of a couple driving forces. First, there is a significant talent shortage as the majority of Baby Boomers begin to exit the workforce. Second, the demand for younger upper management is growing. Organizations are looking for younger people to jumpstart or reinvigorate their businesses and brands.
For the younger executive, the best strategy to gain trust and acceptance is to create a partnership approach within the team. This is achieved by humbly admitting to needing guidance and looking for input from more experienced managers or team members. Creating a collaborative environment will allow older team members to feel valued for their tenure, knowledge, and contribution.
Organizations can help younger managers assimilate to their new role by pairing them up with an older executive. By capitalizing on Millennials’ respect of their elders and mentors, this pairing will not only help young managers gain creditability with their team and colleagues, but may also bring fresh ideas to stale corporate processes.
Young leaders can breathe new life into a team and organization. They bring a new perspective and energy, with a genuine respect for those who came before them, which can make a huge impact on your brand and the industry as a whole. Understanding how to gain trust and acceptance will make the transition easier on everyone.
Gary Vice is sought out by leaders in Software and Services who recognize the need to attract the industry’s best talent. Through Strategic Recruiting Partners’ extensive network of relationships, they are able to identify high level opportunities for well qualified candidates. To discover how this process can benefit your job search, simply reply to this email or call Gary at 469.402.4008.