I am the youngest member of my team but recently took over the group’s management responsibilities. I got along with all these people before but I don’t feel they listen to me now that I am their direct boss. They tend to openly question me during staff meetings and always go to my boss when they don’t agree with a decision or directive. I was not sure if I was being too sensitive so I asked a colleague to observe some of our interactions and she confirmed my thoughts. I’m not sure what to do at this point.
On another note, I feel very uncomfortable in having disciplinary conversations with my team. I know some of them very well and socialize with some of them outside of the office. I read some management books but didn’t feel they offered any practical suggestions. Any help would be appreciated?
Filed under: Team Management
Here are a few questios for you. First, how much younger are you then the average person on your team? And why were you chosen to be the leader as opposed to someone else with more seniority? Also, what is the cultural background of your team mates? In some cultures, age is a big issue for status and only people who are older are considered to be wise enough to lead.
I also noticed you mentioned mingling with the teammembers outside of the office. are these the people who are giving you the problem? Sometimes putting some mental distance between you and your team may be necessary to emphasize the hierchical difference. On that note, what is the company culture? Is it an open culture where everyone questions their manager? Are you the only one who is being treated in this manner? I think there are a lot of variables to your situation, and age may only be one of them.
-Brandon