[JH21295]

I work in a bank and am 21. I am very good at my job. However, many of the new people being hired are only 18 or 19 and do not want to listen to what I say. I am a supervisor and need to be able to approve their transactions, but when I ask them to do simple things that are done all the time in the process of an approval, they do not listen to me. I require, in a nice way, for them to take all the steps before I approve their transaction because I am not going to put my job on the line for some new person who does not want to listen. The other supervisor is in her 30s and does not have any problems. The new hires have said that they must know as much as I do because I am only a few years older than them, but I do know a lot more; that is why I got this job. I am not sure how to handle this situation in a manner that will benefit the work enviroment. I have had older employees who did not want to listen because I am so much younger than them, but not younger one’s.

User Detail :  

Name : JH21295, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Christian, Age : 21, City : San Diego, State : CA, Country : United States, Occupation : Bank supervisor, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[Michael]

If you know what you’re talking about and can convey it in a professional and correct manner, it shouldn’t matter what age you are. Now, some people will always see you as an older snob or a young kid. That may never change. Don’t let it get you down.

User Detail :  

Name : Michael, Gender : M, Age : 26, City : Anna Maria, State : FL, Country : United States, Occupation : News editor, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[N.G.]

I’ve had to overcome a similar problem. I took my job as Program Director of a crisis service when I was 26. I was responsible for supervising employees as young as 18 and some up to 65. At first, I also tried to be nice to everyone. While that often seemed to work, I also would feel that perhaps I was being humoured more because people liked me than for my leadership skills. Eventually I realized that as a people manager, you can’t be everyone’s friend and you *are* going to have to occasionally ruffle feathers. Sometimes you have to say ‘Do it because that is how I am telling you to do it. End of discussion.’ I’m not saying become the wicked witch, but one of the painful truths of managing is that you are no longer peers with those you supervise. You can’t always be their friend. That may extend to both at work and away from work. A surprising side benefit is that once you find your balance of supporter versus head nasty, it makes your job less stressful and easier. Good luck!

User Detail :  

Name : N.G., Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Agnostic, Age : 30, City : Lethbridge, State : NA, Country : Canada, Occupation : Program Director, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

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