You’ve noticed a frustrating pattern. During meetings with an older colleague, they seem to tune out any time you offer an idea. You suspect they’re checking email when you’re speaking, and they rarely, if ever, acknowledge your suggestions. Given dismissive comments they’ve made about other employees around your age, you assume they’re not taking you seriously because you’re younger than they are.
Travis Rathbone/Trunk Archive
Is That Conflict with Your Colleague Really About Age Difference?
Assuming it is might make it worse.
March 08, 2022
· Long read
Summary.
When you and a colleague are from different generations, it’s easy to assume that any disagreements between you are due to the age gap. But how can you be sure that you’re having a generational conflict? And if you are, how should you address it? The first step is to steer clear of stereotypes. There is little evidence to support the assumptions we often make about people younger or older than us. Ask yourself what else might be going on between you and your coworker, recognizing that common — and productive — tensions often come up between people from different age groups. Then address the specific problem and focus on a shared goal that you both care about. And take the time, even though it might feel arduous, to be explicit about how you’ll collaborate to avoid misunderstandings and misperceptions.