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As Generations X and Y members (Americans born after 1964) move up the corporate ladder and as Baby Boomers reduce their responsibilities, “May-December” work relationships increase. While these relationships initially appear awkward, benefits do exist: A young boss can learn from an older employee, and an older employee may improve his post-retirement career prospects through a strong work relationship with a young executive. To foster these relationships, Dallas employment attorney Keith Clouse provides the following recommendations.
First, no one should generalize; not all young bosses are impulsive and inexperienced and not all older employees are outdated and resistant to change. Everyone benefits from mutual respect and positive attitudes.
An older employee should attempt to adapt to a younger executive’s communication style, which is likely to focus on electronic communication rather than sit-down meetings. Older employees should avoid reminiscing about the “good old days” and should be diplomatic and non-confrontational in resolving disagreements.
A young executive should recognize and draw upon an older employee’s experience and should encourage him to share his knowledge through mentoring relationships with younger workers. A young boss should also take advantage of an older employee’s interpersonal skills and contacts by sending him to meetings and conferences; employees who have worked in an e-mail-free environment may be more at ease when handling face-to-face meetings.
Navigating employment relationships can be tricky. For advice from an employment law attorney, contact the Dallas employment lawyers at Clouse Dunn LLP at info@cdklawyers.com.
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