In two weeks I will experience another first in my career. I will have my first direct report. A mix of emotions accompany this new responsibility.
First, I’m grateful to even have the opportunity. Where else does an HR Assistant get to supervise someone? I have been in leadership positions but I never would have guessed that I’d supervise someone else when I’m only 23. This will be a great addition to my skills (and look good on a resume).
Second, I’m nervous. I’ve had my share of bad supervisors and like many others, I always assumed I could do better. Now is my chance to prove it. Yet, I feel like I’m already starting behind because I haven’t had the opportunity to learn about her position myself, so her training lies in the hands of others.
Third, I’m sorry to the woman I’m working with that she has to report to someone so much younger. They make movies about these sorts of things. I can just imagine her going home and complaining about her stupid Millennial boss. This only reiterates the fact that I need to be a supervisor she can respect.
While this will be a learning experience no matter how it turns out, it will also give me an idea of where I want to go in my career. Perhaps I’ll hate supervising and decide to switch to payroll. Okay, probably not. Either way, wish me luck!
March 6, 2008 at 1:29 pm |
Doesn’t sound like you’re “starting behind” because of your 2nd point. Sounds like you’re starting way behind because of your 3rd.
Why are you sorry to be managing someone “so much” older and why would you assume she’s going to be complaining about her “stupid Millennial boss.”?
Is it because she’s more qualified than you? Or are you making this statement simply due to the age difference?
Good luck!!
March 6, 2008 at 2:05 pm |
Ian – There are perceptions out there about age that have nothing to do with my performance. I will have to work to break those perceptions. This particular situation is made even more unique by the fact that I am the 4th youngest out of 130. At my location there is no one else under 40. If I were in this woman’s shoes I would probably take issue reporting to someone so young when everyone else gets to report to someone their age.
March 6, 2008 at 2:08 pm |
Supervising is one of the most difficult aspects of the work world, and you are lucky to have the opportunity!
I hope you will take the time to read up on how to be a great supervisor and use good and bad role models to form your own style.
I supervised someone who had children my age, and found that a healthy respect for her and her work went a long way.
Best,
Miriam Salpeter
Keppie Careers
http://www.keppiecareers.com
March 6, 2008 at 5:15 pm |
Keppie – Perhaps I should reread “First Break All the Rules.” I think my biggest problem will be realizing she doesn’t have the same values, learning style, etc. as me. Well, I realize it already, but I need to make sure that I don’t force my style on her.
March 6, 2008 at 6:35 pm |
Rachel,
Maybe read something by Tamara Erickson, who writes about generational issues as they pertain to the workforce.
(An aside: Brazen Careerist is highlighting one of Erickson’s articles on a Gen Y topic today. I blogged about the Gen Y article at: http://keppiecareers.wordpress.com/2008/03/03/cross-generational-offices-is-gen-y-narcissistic/)
I’m reviewing Erickson’s newest book, “Retire Retirement.” Clearly, it’s aimed at the boomers, but the first section gives an overview of the various generations and some insight into their goals and values. Could be worth taking a look!
Miriam Salpeter
Keppie Careers
http://www.keppiecareers.com
March 6, 2008 at 10:44 pm |
“There are perceptions out there about age that have nothing to do with my performance.”
I understand this. However, you appear to be self-imposing and perpetuating this “perception”. This is apparent in your post, your response and other posts/responses I’ve read from you.
“If I were in this woman’s shoes I would probably take issue reporting to someone so young when everyone else gets to report to someone their age.”
Like Miriam, I’ve also managed people who had children my age. Some even joked: “Wow, you could be my son!” or my personal favorite: “21?!?! I have SCARS older than you!!”. This was all in good fun though.
When I was 21, I was BY FAR the youngest sales manager of a team of 30+ sales agents for a multinational company (~$20M in annual sales). Believe me, I know the feeling, but you need to be confident in your abilities regardless of your age.
In any case, I wish you all the best and I’m sure you’ll do well, just be careful of assuming how someone else is going to perceive you…I hope this woman is as fun/respectful as the people I used to manage! Keep us posted!! Cheers!
March 7, 2008 at 7:40 am |
Ian – I may write about generation differences but that does not mean I have problems with my relationships in the workplace. I get along great with my coworkers (who are all quite older than me). However, I do not know the person coming into this position. I do not know what her perceptions are of younger employees. I am prepared that this may be an issue to overcome. I don’t know yet if it will be a problem or not, but it might.
March 29, 2008 at 6:21 pm |
Supervising is complex. There are many aspects which I, after seven plus years, am only just understanding.
It is right for you to be aware that she might be uncomfortable with your age. This awareness will help you be more sensitive to how you speak with her and etc.
Do be careful, though, not to make assumptions. And do not let the age discrepancy cause you to be apologetic or less firm with her.
Also, be seriously careful about what you blog. If she reads this – what might be the ramifications? Might she be less respectful of you? Might she resent your assumptions? I’ve found that being open with supervisees always seems to bite me in the end. I learned the hard way to keep a very strict boundary around my personal thoughts/experience. Otherwise, it is easy for the supervisee to overstep and to even try to bring the supervisor down in countless ways, both small and large. These actions can even be subconscious.
March 31, 2008 at 4:15 pm |
Holly – I agree it’s good to be cautious in all areas related to supervisees. However, I don’t think that these issues are limited to direct reports. Anyone can perform these political actions.
Also, I don’t blog about anything that I wouldn’t mind others reading. I’m a straight shooting person.
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