Rising above Old vs Young conflict at workplace

We have a heritage of respecting age and knowledge; both of them tend to have a direct relationship. However, this phenomenon is changing on account of technological advancements and the fact that the world has become a global village. While experience does pay, the driving force is now your performance. Considering the foregoing, out-of –the-box thinking, flexibility and capacity to learn more and more are emerging as important factors for success. It is therefore, no wonder that veteran players are losing ground to people who are much younger to them. 

When a junior supersedes you, a shift of command and authority will be inevitable. And like all other shifts, this shift will not be any resistance because taking directions from somebody who is younger is a difficult proposition. There will be undercurrents of tension and which, will  make the younger lot unduly snowed under, their soaring spirits, bright ideas and elevated enthusiasm notwithstanding. Workplace conflict thus starts taking roots.

Conflicts are a result of divergence of outlooks, attitudes and frames of mind. Those who are old with decades of experience behind them feel that youngsters in senior positions are unproven and inexpert people; and who also tend to be impetuous in their dealings. On the other hand, young bosses feel that the experience that the other category possesses is obsolete; they opine that ‘overlooked seniors’ besides being rigid in accepting new initiatives are rather lacking in purpose and aspiration.

The tussle between older subordinates and young bosses has become a harsh reality today. In organizational interests it should not be there. So how do you manage it? Here are some time-tested measures to do so:    

·  Be perceptive & receptive:  Age differences give rise to differences of disposition, outlook and mind-set towards both towards work and life alike. Both generations are morally obliged to be considerate and discreet in their dealings with each other. The younger lot has to exercise restraint more than their older friends – be they juniors or seniors. If it is understood that the oldies find it difficult to change and adjust, the problems stand greatly reduced. After all, no individual likes to be ordered around or treated like a shuttlecock. Having fortitude and staying power in your dealings coupled with showing due respect to age and experience will keep the machine well-oiled and going well.  

·  Shed stringency & rigidity:  Opinions and stances apart, it would be presumptuous to state that all old employees are disdainful and not all young bosses hardliners. Therefore, chauvinism and narrow-mindedness should be shed at all costs in all dealings. What is important is the fact that inter-personal relations should be viewed as associations between coworkers rather than juniors and seniors.

·   Steer clear of unwarranted discords:  Memories should remain memories; the older lot should not unnecessarily keep talking of the past. People will respect your age and experience more if you cast off your haughty feelings and approach that people younger to you are less knowledgeable. On the other hand, the younger lot, particularly young bosses should also shed all apprehensions of the older lot as a cluster of opposition. Perhaps their confidence can be earned if due respect is shown to their age, experience and involvement. 

·  Be liberal & openhanded:  Anybody, irrespective of his or her age or appointment should invariably be respected for their outputs. There is no denying the fact that the older lot has solid experience and steadiness to back them, whereas the younger lot is always bubbling with ingenuity and are better poised to address the complexities of today’s fast-moving working milieu. Therefore, if both complement and supplement each other; and learning from each other is resorted to, the results can be zenithal.

·  Keep organizational objectives in mind:  It should be remembered that everybody, young and old alike has to strive for maximum productivity so that organizational objectives are achieved. You have to be clear about the larger picture and considering it, all efforts have to be made in a positive manner. Conflicts and differences therefore have no place at work. 

Today, when the work environment is predisposed towards output rather than skills and knowledge, it is necessary that all conflicts resulting from age differences should be shelved. And that calls for diplomacy, compassion and warmth.