Q. I just started a new job where I will be managing people of all ages. My new team has a lot of young workers at the start of their careers, but also many who are in their 60s and even a few in their 70s. I am not sure how they will work together. Do you have any advice for me on how to lead such a diverse team?
A. Congratulations on your new job! It’s a great sign that you’re already thinking about how to support your team. Managing people across generations can bring incredible strengths, but it also means being aware of age-related assumptions.
With Ageism Awareness Day coming up on October 9, it’s a good reminder that stereotypes about being “too young” or “too old” can hold us back. Ageism can affect people at any stage of life and can impact our health, well-being, financial security, and even the economy. The American Society on Aging suggests several ways to break down barriers across age:
Start with ourselves – We all have biases. It’s part of being human. Consider how you think and talk about people of different ages. By changing the words we use and the stories we tell ourselves, we can change our own assumptions.
Lead with relationships – Make a conscious effort to set aside stereotypes when you meet someone new. Listen before you talk and be curious. Look to find common values.
Create a culture of collaboration – If you are part of an organization or group, do more than just give people of different ages a seat at the table. Give everyone a chance to contribute and give their ideas equal consideration.
Consider accessibility – Stop and ask yourself, do the facilities, schedules, and policies take into consideration factors like disabilities and caregiving responsibilities? Be open to making changes to meet diverse needs.
Encourage co-leadership and co-mentoring – Mentoring can occur in all directions, from older to younger and vice versa. If you are a leader, consider establishing formal mentoring programs across ages and experience levels or try letting people of different ages share decision-making.
It’s not easy to overcome stereotypes and change doesn’t happen overnight, but when we challenge our assumptions and value contributions at every age, everyone benefits. I wish you the very best of luck in your new job.
Are you caring for an older adult or need help finding healthy aging resources? Our experienced staff is available to help. Visit us online at www.agespan.org. You can also call 800-892-0890 or email info@agespan.org.
Joan Hatem-Roy is the chief executive officer of AgeSpan, which serves the following cities and towns: Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Boxford, Chelmsford, Danvers, Dracut, Dunstable, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Marblehead, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Rowley, Salisbury, Salem, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Westford, and West Newbury.
First published in the Eagle-Tribune.
