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FAR, what a pain..that’s all
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In my early 20s I worked with a team much my senior. I read a lot of books on management and landed in the realm of flexible management. Everyone needs a different management style to be successful. I always showed respect to anyone my senior whether in age or experience. It allowed for mutual respect because I was setting that stage and creating that space. So it really depends on your audience. For example, I’d be quick back with someone who said, “your title doesn’t mean anything to me” by agreeing and saying something like “it doesn’t mean anything to me either, but your/our safety does.”
Maybe ask for advice from your line manager? It sounds like they are disrespecting you and acting inappropriately. I see why it might be difficult for them to accept a younger manager, but ultimately they have to, and it shouldn’t be your job to discipline them or to ‘earn their respect. Someone needs to step in and put them in their place.
…And it shouldn’t be you attempting it bc given what you said they will just double down on mockery.
My stance is that you’re hired to do a job and it doesn’t happen to be one of a governess 🤷♀️
I have been in the similar boat, but for me it was because I looked a lot young than the rest and so they would easily think I may not be that experienced. On the other hand, I was much experienced than most of them if not all.
What I did was I stayed closer to leadership sharing my work, expectations and also sharing the vibe am getting from the team mates so that my manager is already aware if I get into any situations later.
I totally get the feeling you are having though. Hope you are able to figure it out soon.
I guess how do I combat that? I have only been manager for about 1 year.
I wonder if it’s something about the way you’re holding yourself, interacting with others or possibly the environment your company is fostering.
We don’t seem to have that problem in our company. People are treated the way they treat others and age is not a detriment - young or old.
I also think it is totally acceptable for you to contact HR. Insubordination is also not ok and everyone has a right to work somewhere and be given basic respect.
Enthusiast
You can politely choose, in your own words, to tell them, "You may not care about my title, but if you don't care about the *updated* regulations, your job & this company will disappear into bankruptcy."
Just think of how the late aeronautical engineer, inherited wealth multi-millionaire, & OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush (who also had been working since the 1980s) literally imploded along w/ his 4 clients in the Titan submersible tragedy due to Rush's "regulations be damned/they're a hindrance to innovation" mindset.
OceanGate actually fired & attempted to sue (they just settled out of court) in 2018 a director of operations for daring to call them out on their unwillingness to subject their experimental carbon fiber + titanium design to further testing.
However, that ex-director of operations found other work and was vindicated, albeit tragically, by the implosion.
He nonetheless did his best to ultimately stand his ground and follow his professional & ethical conscience; if the "experienced" & moneyed OceanGate bosses & team members let their biases overtake needed due diligence despite all his & others' efforts, that is their own tragic undoing.
Ageism against younger yet up-to-date compliance professionals & confirmation bias by those who confuse their own unique experiences & prior reputations as all-encompassing "wisdom" happens a lot.
However, just gently but firmly stick to your guns in emphasizing that you are all on the same side in not letting your employer and their own life's work & reputations go down the toilet on lawsuits, bad press, fines/penalties, bankruptcy, etc.
due to perceived willful disregard for updated regulations.
Also, you might need to find a champion within your executive leadership or board who is also trusted & revered by the staff, so that senior person may be able to give you pointers on how to effectively communicate with these team members too.
Curious if you've talked we with any of these folks about it?
I'm wondering if this is an intergenerational issue? It could be worth talking with a mentor- an older family friend about perceptions to understand more about the generation gap. There could be something about how you are communicating that isn't translating for the Gen X crew (who are very close to Boomers... Both groups who grew up knowing and focusing on career ladders and white picket fences.) They have a different view on work and career than melinnials and gen Z.
Additionally, I recommend the book crucial conversations to help have a conversation about it (if you haven't already.)
Do you work with a bunch of dudes? You are probably dressing too immaturely and speaking too young. Act assertive wear dark colors remind them you’re neck is on the line and you’re just doing your job. Generally, older generations will respect the candid honest.
All of your advice is appreciated. I'm glad I'm not the only one who has ever felt like this. It also sucks being a people-pleaser and not wanting to be "disrespectful to my elders." But I know that's not the professional way to look at this, and I'm trying to learn to be better about respecting myself first. I appreciate you all.
You can stay respectful. You need to, backing down isn’t a sign of disrespect and some people will keep going if they see weakness