Do You Have Trouble Taking People Who Are Younger Than You Seriously?

[THUNDER HANDS]

When they are in positions of authority over you?

I have a manager at work who's six years younger than me. I'm 27, he's 21. I like the guy, he's cool and everything, but he looks like he's 15 and I find it hard to take him seriously when he acts all 'manager like'. I don't have to deal with him much directly, since he's not MY personal manager, but he is a assistant store manager.

I was just wondering if anyone else worked for anyone younger than them and if they encountered the same dilemma - namely, taking orders from someone young enough to be your kid brother or sister, or even your own kid.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. I have on occasion had problems with this too.....

What I try to do is listen to the person, and see if I respect what s/he says....

If I can, then all is well, and I can see that person as my superior...

It just depends on how well they carry themselves, and speak for themselves....

:shrug:

:hi:

[SOteric]

2. I would second this.

I had occasion to work with a manager who was younger than I, -fresh out of school and still wet behind the ears. He was, however, one of the best managers I've worked with and quickly earned more than a basic amount of my respect.

Another factor to consider is whether you perhaps wanted the manager position yourself and your criticism is in part due to feeling a bit put out at whomever else is now in that role. In which case; good lord Rat-boy, you've got it in you, find out what the higher ups are looking for and apply yourself zealously to the next opening at that level.

[THUNDER HANDS]

3. no no no

the last thing i want is to be in management. This is a part-time job for me now and I'm just doing it while I'm in school.

Its freakin' Wal-Mart. Not exactly my idea of a career goal.

But I give the manager a lot of credit, he became an assistant manager at the age of 19. I don't think a lot of people could do that, in any retail store.

[Hugin]

4. When you get to a certain age...

Most *everyone* is younger than you.

[LynzM]

5. I've been on the opposite side....

Training people 5-20 years older than I am (I'm 25). It's a little weird from this side, too...

[RFKHumphreyObama]

6. Nope. Most of my friends and political associates are younger than me

And yet they have a depth of intelligence, experience and intellect which is remarkable and wonderful. They also have a sense of passion, commitment and idealism which is inspiring

[geniph]

7. I used to, but it would be quite unfortunate if I still did

at some point, one has to get used to the fact that most of one's coworkers from then on are going to be younger - including one's management.

Signed,
A Lady of A Certain Age

[skygazer]

8. No, I really don't

But I've always treated people with respect, no matter what their age. I would even treat you with respect and you're young enough to be my kid. :P