Comments on: Managing An Older Team

By: Jill

Jill — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 22:23:43 +0000

I have been a leader in business with team of up to 500 people at times. The ages/demographic of these groups of people were very diverse. A few characteristics that I found useful in the mature people group was that they did not need as much hand holding, they would think for themsleves and they also did not get as wound up or stressed as some of the younger people did in many situations. Real life expereince is a great benefit in the work place when dealing with differing situations. Each demographic has it’s benefits and it’s draw backs and that is why it is good to have as much diversity within you teams as you can manage to recruit.

Bringing that diverse group together can provide you with insight to the customers you serve as they are usually as diverse!.

By: Karen Schmidt

Karen Schmidt — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 02:05:09 +0000

Thanks for all the comments on this article . . . nice to know I have got people thinking!

By: Dave Meyer - Denver DISC Specialist

Dave Meyer - Denver DISC Specialist — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 06:05:57 +0000

The issue of a manager being younger than their staff is certainly not a new problem. I first managed a white collar team when I was 23 years old, and at least 10 years younger than my youngest employee and nearly 40 years younger than my oldest employee. I would certainly agree with the idea of not focusing on the myths of the “older generation”. People want and expect to be treated with respect, regardless of their age. A young manager would be wise to understand that while they may be in charge, they may not have all of the answers; especially the technical answers. That means that they should listen MORE than they talk, understand and utilize the strengths of their team members, and never even give the appearance of setting themselves above the team.

Thanks for posting a thought provoking article.

By: Kate Nasser, The People-Skills Coach

Kate Nasser, The People-Skills Coach — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:56:06 +0000

Very nice post indeed. Undo the myths and tap everyone’s expertise is not only great advice for managing older workers but also the secret to inspiring teams of all ages.

I don’t see many articles on managing those that are older than you and yet it does happen.

In my first job, I was promoted to acting manager after one year when my manager went out on maternity leave. Most of the team was older than I was and it did present very different challanges. I did not have info or guidance and applaud your post here that will help others work in this truly diverse workfoce — 4 generations are in at one time.

It brings both teamwork, management, and leadership challenges. Bravo and thanks.
Kate Nasser

By: Josh Opinion

Josh Opinion — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 03:12:56 +0000

I agree with your comment that the older generations hate technology. While I used to have this paradigm, I have witnessed first hand many boomers and older demographics really start to embrace it. From what I have witnessed, it is not that they hate technology but they are just not to sure where to begin. Once they just delve into that technology, they are all about finding different ones.