Memo to Managers: Nobody Cares What you Did When you Were my Age
When I was your age…
Ever catch yourself beginning a sentence with these 5 words?
When I was your age, I walked to school – uphill each way! When I was your age, I called on 37 accounts a day and worked deep into the night. When I was your age, I had heart and passion and street smarts…
Memo: nobody cares! Well, almost nobody.
A big challenge for managers is getting through to professionals between twenty and thirty years of age. Many managers have confided in me that it’s hardly a walk in the park. That is, connecting with twenty-something’s in a way that allows managers to share their past experiences to help younger people succeed is simple but not easy.
Simple in theory, not easy to get people to care.
Here’s the problem. Undoubtedly, if you’ve been managing for a while, you have a lot to offer this younger generation. You’re like a sage. And you want to share with good intentions.
I agree. There is much to offer.
Unfortunately, I’ve come to know that younger professionals don’t care what it was like when you were their age. They’re more interested in themselves; which I suppose is ok. It is a dog eat dog world after all. They have a drive to succeed, but they also seem to have all the answers.
So they tune out your stories. The tales of how got ahead. And that leaves you frustrated.
Don’t worry. All is not lost and there is one part of your past that’s ok to share if you’re strong enough.
Try sharing that you’ve struggled with something similar to what you’re professional is experiencing. Yes, at one point, you had the same problem!
Are you willing to share in this way? I’m not so sure. Many managers don’t share those stories. Preferring, instead, to seem stronger and less infallible. They like to appear invincible.
Mistake!
As a strategy for getting through to someone, admit that you’ve struggled with a similar issue. That’s right – let your guard down. Engage your listener and then describe how you handled the dilemma.
Go for it! Don’t worry about appearing weak. Once you begin letting this part of your past out, you’ll see the awesome power of sharing such experiences.
Say, "When I was your age…I struggled mightily with exactly what you’re facing." Instead of a quick roll of the eyes you might actually have a captive audience.
That’s just the way it works!
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