Welcome to the generation when leadership roles aren’t reserved for the fifty-something-executives. Yes, young professionals are now taking on leadership roles like they never did before; and why not? This generation is more informed and empowered compared to their counterparts in the 70s and 80s; besides, managerial norms and good leadership skills have evolved ever since.

Being a young leader doesn’t come without challenges. While you enter the arena equipped with skills, a degree, and a great deal of passion, not everyone will take you seriously. As many young leaders have experienced, their biggest opposition are most often the older professionals.

It is hard enough to become a leader and be able to motivate people and practice good leadership skills, but what more if you had to lead people double your age and length of stay in the company? What can a young leader like you do?

Below are a few practical and effective tips to help you rise above these challenges.

Respect them first

Yes, you are in a leadership position but be mindful that you need to have a sense of respect for a person’s age. Respect your older colleagues for their age and experience and make sure you acknowledge their seniority in terms of these two elements. Once they understand that you respect them, it will be easier to earn their respect.

Be sensitive

While it may be very acceptable to you to work long hours at night, send and receive emails on weekends, talk on the phone about work even on holidays, remember that your older colleagues may have families to attend to and that they may not be able to work at your pace. Older people will not appreciate you interrupting their personal time. Having good leadership skills means being sensitive to your team’s needs.

Be self-aware

Make sure you regularly check on yourself and your leadership style and behavior. What doesn’t work? How does your behavior affect older colleagues? Evaluate yourself and how your team reacts to your leadership skills. Take out what doesn’t work, and continue tweaking until you find an approach that works with them.

Do not micro manage

Build their trust by allowing them to work and make decisions on their own. Older people do not like people hovering over their shoulders checking on their every move. If they’re practically your parent’s age, you should know that they lived at a time when things were much harder, and so they know the value of hard work. They do not need to be told twice. Give them the space they need to perform their work, just be there when they need you.

Listen to their opinion

Although you are the leader, it won’t hurt to listen to the opinions and suggestions from your team especially older colleagues. You might be surprise to hear their wisdom and ideas on how to solve and approach challenges. The final decision is in your hands, but always listen and be open to suggestions.

As you journey through becoming a leader, you will face all sorts of challenges so make sure you consistently improve your good leadership skills. Be patient and in time, you will win the support, trust, and respect of everyone in your team regardless of their age.

© 2013 Incedo Group, LLC