Managing people with more experience
In your journey as a people manager, inevitably you will be put in a position where you are managing people significantly older and more experienced than you. It can feel daunting and awkward, so here are some things I've learned:
Let them know you're there to learn from them. Recognize and honor their experience and resulting expertise and be honest about how much you have to learn.
Actively and genuinely seek their counsel. They have experienced many things you have not. Chances are, they have some great advice for you when you're facing uncertainty. This applies to both professional and personal challenges!
Listen. Like, actually listen. Pay deep attention to their thought process, their stories, times when they've felt successful and times when they've failed, and their current frustrations.
Be a helper. Take those frustrations of theirs and turn them into action. As you would with any other team member, unblock their workflow by removing unnecessary red tape and process, getting them better tools, etc.
Be clear and up front about your work style and process. Don't make people figure it out as you go. Tell people your expectations. You can use this as an example if it helps:
Don't force quick change. There are two parts to this.
a) Don't force. Use consultative selling. Demonstrate that you understand their pain points and you're trying to resolve them.
b) Take it easy. Unless you're under a tight deadline, give them time to acclimate to new tools and process. Listen to frustrations and come alongside to help.
Invest in them. Show your belief that they can grow and take on new challenges. Outside training, books and newsletters, online courses - give them access to these and more.
Be inclusive when it comes to social events. It's extremely demoralizing to be the one person left out of team fun.
Golden Rule: think about how you would feel as someone on a team getting a new manager. What would you want to know / hear / feel? Do those things.
Reread this list and recognize that none of it is age-specific. These are good practices for taking over a team with any experience level.
