Last week my webmaster got engaged and invited me and my husband to the engagement party. I knew it would be fun (it was), unique (it was) and I would be one of the more mature (read that oldest) at the event. When I got engaged years ago, we hadn't even heard about engagement parties. So, what does all this have to do with Multi Generational Worlds? Well, unless you are Royalty for life or an Old Dictator, most of us will be working with and for those that are younger or older than ourselves.
In my travels, I have meet the very young banker that really does understand business cash flow beyond credit score. I've also worked with elders that cause me to feel like a newcomer to my fields of study. Realizing that we all have talents and strengths, in the workplace we all need to figure out how to work together.
If you are leading or managing older employees without the years of "war stories to tell", take heart, it can be done even if you have a baby-face. Whether you are the owner of your business (do you really think that Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook has only younger employees?), or have been given the authority by your boss, here are some tips to help you grow in your authority.
1. Express Confidence. Not just self-confidence, but also sharing where the company is going. Assume your ideas and directions are well founded. Don't undermine yourself with qualifiers like "I haven't done this, but . . ." Or "You many not all agree. . ." Or "This might not be right, but. . ." Your own statements that express doubt in yourself, will only cause you to not be taken seriously.
2. Embrace an Open-minded stance. You are responsible for setting the agenda and leading the charge, asking for input is different than asking for guidance. Be ready to listen - that is the genius of innovation.
3. Ask for Feedback. Feedback is asking people for their view of what the company is actually doing - "Why is this not working" or "Why is it working so well". We want to learn the root cause of on-going problems.
4. Acknowledge and Reward those that make you shine. Humility is a characteristic that allows a great leader to share stellar performance. The statement often joked about in Dilbert "Hire people smarter than you" really means hiring smart to meet your Vision and Company's Vision. Telling the world of your staff's successes helps solidify a team while the company is seen as unified.
Last week, I talked about Standard Operating Procedures and the sister document is the Policy Manual or Employee Handbook. If you really want to spend your time as a leader, these documents give staff the guidance they need for the simple stuff!
