The management game is changing and now more and more younger managers are testing their skills in the modern workplace. This is a great development, giving everyone a chance to prove their leadership skills, regardless of age.
This can however be a challenge for a workforce which is made of up of older members of staff. Some may find it difficult to be managed by someone younger, whilst others might embrace it, happy to feed off their young manager’s enthusiasm and new ideas. Appraisals are vital in this case, in order for both sides to understand each other and to realise that everyone is there to pull in the same direction - for the good of the company.
Every workplace is different, but the trend amongst millennial managers is certainly on the rise.
Check out this video for the low down on the subject.
A millennial is the best person to change the workplace for the better, full of fresh perspectives and different ideas. For instance, changing the way the workplace is set out, perhaps incorporating new technology such as a boardroom desk with cable management, as opposed to the regular, standard type, or maybe changing the company culture towards flexible working, as one simple idea.
Despite the plus points, what are the main challenges that a younger, millennial manager might face in the modern workplace?
Resistance to Change
Some members of staff many not like change, and that is something many managers have to face, regardless of their age and experience bracket. A millennial manager is far more likely to want sweeping changes, and it’s important to ensure that these are done fairly and in a timely manner, to avoid too much change happening all at once. This could unsettle employees and cause morale to tumble. For instance, a new manager might want to come in and change the office completely, purchasing the best office furniture and changing working practices.
Sitting around meeting room tables and discussing any changes with staff, keeping them informed and asking for input is vital.
Managing a Potentially Older Workforce
We’ve already touched upon the most challenging difficulty for a millennial manager and that is that they may be managing a workforce who are considerably older than them. This can go either way, but some older members of staff may resent the fact that some ‘whippersnapper’ is the one calling the shots.
Asking older members of staff for ideas and guidance is a good way to overcome this, and that way they will not feel that they are being ‘told’ what to do, and that their experience is valued by the new manager. Of course, this may not even be an issue, and it is far more likely that employees will embrace the new change of leadership.
Lack of Experience
A millennial manager may have all the qualifications required and all the skills, but a lack of experience may be an issue for some. In that case, taking advice from those in the know and being open to change, as well as asking for opinions from staff, is vital.
For instance, a millennial manager needs to know how to welcome a new member of staff in the right way and allow them to settle quickly, from the moment they arrive and sit in the reception chairs. If the are in their first management role, they may not have experience of this, and therefore guidance should be sought. Never be afraid to ask for help for assistance; it simply shows a willingness to grow.
A Poor Work and Home Life Balance
The millennial generation require a quality work and home life balance, in order to juggle the million tasks they have going on! A new manager may find themselves swamped with work and may then dedicate far too much time towards the work setting, neglecting their home life. Stress can therefore easily become a problem.
In order to avoid this, the millennial manager must give as much precedence to their home life, as they do their working life.
Millennial managers are on the rise, and this is a great development for all. As long as young managers can overcome challenges which may come their way, the future looks very bright indeed.