Younger Person In Charge: How Does One Manage Without Getting Authoritative?

Discussion in 'Working Women' started by Naari, Jan 4, 2018.

  1. Naari

    Naari Platinum IL'ite

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    Hello ILs,

    I am back with a work related issue, a managing issue. I recently started working for a medium sized firm and am managing a team of 7. Things have been great so far except that I am much younger than most staff here, who I am managing. I try to lead by example and by giving respect and treating everyone well. I have been adopting a combination of friendly approach balanced with firmness when required, while assigning and managing engagements. Some of the staff members have been around with the firm for 10 years or so, so I suspect they are not too happy/ resistant having to work for a brand new, younger, outsider Manager even though more qualified and moderately experienced.

    So my dear friends, pls share your thoughts on how to effectively manage in this situation? or let's say is there a better way to 'grow' on them?
     
    Last edited: Jan 4, 2018
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  2. KavithaUS

    KavithaUS Silver IL'ite

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    Hi Naari- I am going to watch this thread for responses. I am facing the same, added to it all my reportees are Indian males. They work output is not great, but the attitude they carry is topic of my own thread.
     
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  3. Naari

    Naari Platinum IL'ite

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    Haha Kavitha, I feel for ya , Indian males as reportees is a whole new level of complexity! Can’t take the ‘male domination’ out of the Indian male.
     
  4. lavii

    lavii Gold IL'ite

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    Had gone through a similar experience when I moved from one department to other.All my reportees were atleast 8-10 years elder to me .In fact first few days there was a cold treatment from them and they believed i snatched away opportunity from them.
    I could identify a couple of them in the team who were outspoken , tenured and have spoken to them on Day 3 and actually requested them to help me up set this team and as I am a new member and they are product experts involved them in major decision making starting from task assignment to shift changes .Gradually they understood I am working with them and not here to rule and change things/Boss around and things went smooth .

    Regular feedback , appreciation before others , RnR and some simple gestures telling them how their process knowledge is helping team /process always worked for me .I know this may not be the answer you are looking for but just sharing my experience:) Good manager who is approachable and leads/cares for the team always will earn respect , while it may take some time I am sure you will be successful and Happy ..Also see if you can collect some feedback for you , Give them some blank papers and let them add feedback from whatever observations they have and assure them they dont have to write names and can add genuine info which can help you and the team ..This helped me manage some conflicts which could have worsened otherwise ...Good luck :)
     
  5. Naari

    Naari Platinum IL'ite

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    Lavii, thanks, those are some good ideas. I am trying to make them feel comfortable & not feel threatened too. Yes agree. I like to be the friendly one & not boss around. Also I try not to be over friendly and balance.

    I am also trying to praise them at every reasonable opportunity I get, so I can keep them motivated & also not set low standards or unusual expectations by over praising / flattering them. I like your suggestion about getting feedback, will do that in couple months. I am also interested to see what they have to say.

    I am particularly concerned about one staff member who is kind of rude, detests any kind of supervision , gets defensive when asked about anything, who prefers to stay in a silo almost kind if creating walls around her. Not sure what’s the best way to deal with her.
     
  6. ChennaiExpress

    ChennaiExpress IL Hall of Fame

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    How simple is it to terminate such employees? At government it is near impossible.

    You can try niceness and support first and if it's doesn't work, start documenting and bring it up chain of command.

    I'm not sure how feasible this is. Plus you wish to build camaraderie with subordinates.

    I'm yet to be supervisor, so I am unable to speak from experience.
     
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  7. Naari

    Naari Platinum IL'ite

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    Haha CE, you spoke my mind. I never thought someone could behave this way in US since there is absolutely no job security here. And she is a local , so not sure where she is going with all this attitude with known consequences. And “not getting along with peers or bosses or acting counter productive in a workplace” is absolutely a solid ground for getting fired here.

    I don’t want to go that route,though it would be pretty easy to document her rudeness/ resistance to questions since she will most likely respond in non -cooperative way which most seniors would see as a negative.
    I was thinking along the same lines, if no other option works.
     

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