RCA Flag
RCA Flag
Connecting Africa’s Skilled Professionals
RCA Flag

ReConnect Africa is a unique website and online magazine for the African professional in the Diaspora. Packed with essential information about careers, business and jobs, ReConnect Africa keeps you connected to the best of Africa.

img3
ImageDear Career Coach

I would like your advice. I have recently been promoted at work and one of the people now reporting to me is much older than me. I know that he is feeling quite aggrieved at having been passed over for the manager's job as he has been with the company for almost 20 years and feels he should have been selected. I have to admit that my cultural upbringing is also making it awkward for me to treat an older person with the authority that is needed. What should I do to be more assertive without compromising my values?

Obed



If it is of any comfort, you are not alone in having to deal with the conflict that can arise between cultural values and corporate demands. It can be very difficult to move from a cultural mindset that respects and looks up to older people as having greater wisdom and knowledge to having to give instructions to and, if necessary, discipline an older person in the workplace.

Change can be difficult for people to accept, and especially for older people who grew up in an era where seniority came automatically with length of service. But, due to better educational opportunities and the rise of technology, managers and leaders globally are getting younger. This can lead to resentment and anger among older employees as well as subtle or even outright sabotage, if they feel their positions or status are under threat.

If you have a question for our Career Coach, e-mail us at

careers@ReConnectAfrica.com

Bearing this in mind, try to bring your aggrieved colleague on board by making him feel included as much as possible in what is happening within your section. As he probably feels he has been pushed aside, let him know that you recognise the value of his experience and make him feel like a useful asset by consulting with him from time to time. Another approach is to identify projects or challenges that will make good use of his experience or enable him to coach or guide others in the team.

While you should do all you can to bring him along with you, you have earned the promotion and should not compromise your position as the manager. In the same way as another staff member may have a grievance about not having got the job, you need to address any challenges which have a negative impact on the team. If your colleague is underperforming or creating a disruption in the team because of his disappointment, you will have to tackle the problem through discussion and counselling and, if this fails, through disciplinary action in line with your company's policies.

Assertiveness training can also help to give you the tools to communicate effectively in your position and to ensure that you find the right balance between your cultural values and getting your job done.

All the best!

Need some help to solve your career dilemma? Whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, our experienced careers coaches can work with you on an individual or group basis to help you get back on track with your career.

From online CV checking to face-to-face coaching, presentation skills training to making the right impact at interview, our careers services will help you reach your goals.

Contact us now to discuss your needs:  careers@reconnectafrica.com

 

 
img4
Welcome to the new, upgraded ReConnect Africa website.
Please help us provide you with information relevant to your needs by completing the fields below (just this once!)