“The boss is younger than me”: how to deal with it

It happened on the day when you saw off the retirement of everyone’s beloved and respected boss, Edward. He suddenly pointed to an unknown brunette in a tight suit with a forced smile: “And this is Philip, he is 26, and he is your new boss.”

Silence reigned in the hall. He is not even thirty yet, there is no professional experience at all, and he will guide you? You are 40 and have been working in this field for 16 years. How can you become a leader at an age when you were just starting your career, and from the humblest position? Such success creates a sense of professional failure.

“The first form of team management was paternalistic,” says coach Francis Boyer. – At the beginning of the 50th century, the number of staff in most companies did not exceed XNUMX employees. Careers often started from scratch, learned on the spot, while each newcomer had a mentor. Employees learned from the older generation and gradually climbed the hierarchical ladder.” But times have changed, and the reaction to what happened should be adequate. Here are some tips to help you deal with the situation.

1. Don’t be dramatic

Perhaps the first desire is to burst into the director’s office and demand an explanation. “Don’t do this,” the coach warns. – You will most likely be answered that the choice was made at the very top and, according to a number of criteria, Philip is the most suitable candidate for this position. All you will achieve is to earn a reputation as a brawler. In addition, negative comments, criticism of the actions of the new leader will create an unhealthy environment, which sooner or later will result in a conflict. Even if one of the colleagues chooses such a line of behavior, you should not follow their example.

2. Reconsider your views

The heightened reaction to the appointment of Philip suggests that you missed something ten or twenty years ago. “Many people still believe that only years of hard work can get the experience and competencies necessary to take the boss’s chair,” says the coach. – Some employees who are not afraid to analyze their own failures and the reason for their successes demonstrate greater professional maturity than those who have not learned anything from their mistakes. Today, a couple of years of work is enough to qualify for a leadership position.

It’s not enough to think you’re worthy of a promotion. Sometimes those who are younger actively promote themselves.

3. Express your feelings

Most likely, you are overwhelmed with different emotions. You are offended because you were not chosen. And upset: it seems that you are not capable of anything, no one appreciates you. Perhaps you are outraged by the self-confident appearance of the new leader.

Try to find the exact words and describe what you feel. “Name your emotions,” recommends Francis Boyer. – Misunderstanding, rage, resentment? Have you really dreamed of the boss’s chair? Do you feel dislike specifically for Philip? Are you annoyed by his cocky demeanor? Has your ego been hurt? By doing this kind of introspection, you will understand what is bothering you and find a way out.”

4. Give your new boss some time

Are you sure that the upstart was hired only for her good looks and ability to communicate? Try to watch Philip to see if he really lacks experience. “It’s time to reconsider our beliefs that experience and competence are directly related,” advises the coach. “The only criterion for evaluating professional compliance is the results.”

As a result of observation, you can come to one of two conclusions: Philip is a good leader, and you were mistaken about him; Philip fails to cope with his duties, and now your claims have a legal basis.

At your leisure, reflect on why less competent employees sometimes move up the corporate ladder more quickly. Maybe we should learn from them the ability to make the right acquaintances?

5. Challenge your boss for a frank conversation.

If the question of the age of the new leader still haunts you, talk to him on a painful topic in private. “Verbalization will free you from the experience. In addition, to tell another that you do not like is to go half way to resolving the conflict.

Try to be as friendly as possible. You could say, for example, “I have no doubts about the correctness of your appointment, but I find it difficult to accept the fact that you became the boss at such a young age. It always seemed to me that the position of a manager should go to someone who deserved it with their professional success and years dedicated to the company. I decided to tell you about it.”

This is not about declaring war, but about expressing feelings. Of course, we must understand that the situation is dangerous. Philip can react adequately: “I think if I were you I would feel the same way. But I’m sure we’ll work together.” Or maybe throw something in the spirit: “Well, this is your problem, you have to put up with it,” – then you will definitely know what to do next.

Source: Madame le Figaro.