Earning the respect of a team can be a challenging task, especially as a young manager. It is important to keep the following considerations in mind to ensure you can be more effective in your leadership role and keep the team happy and productive.

Earn credibility over the long term

• Earning the respect of a diverse team is not a one-day task. Young managers must be proactive in proving their value by demonstrating consistent leadership skills over a significant period of time.
  It is important to recognise that many mature age employees can see their own life experience as more important than experience in a specific role in the workplace. Ensuring these attributes are valued and recognised will help to reinforce your leadership credibility  

Provide constructive criticism

• Providing personalised and structured feedback is an important tool when leading a team and it is equally important to reward good work on a regular basis. Feedback should also work both ways, and encouraging employees to express their opinion will help to bridge the gap between management and staff, ultimately creating a stronger  and more productive team unit

Use power for empowerment

• Young managers need to understand that it is their responsibility to empower and inspire their team. You may be required to alter your leadership style for certain age groups, but employees will always be motivated by bosses who are genuinely passionate about their work. Use your energy to promote enthusiasm, trust, and the formation of close-knit business relationships

Last, but not least – remember that although different leadership styles may be needed to manage different generations, the core qualities of leadership remain the same. Value each of your employees, understand their individual strengths and weaknesses, and act as their anchor in high stress situations – age will then cease to be the dividing issue.