Prove yourself to Baby Boomers.

I’m a baby boomer born on the cusp (1964) but still a baby boomer. I’ve

owned my own business since the age of 14. For someone 51 years old

I have a great deal of business experience. Part of my success comes

from always being willing to learn. I’ve learned from millennials and know

I will continue. You have great promise and will likely be the catalyst for

change. We are not necessarily on equal footing however.

I think your generation will be the catalyst for great social change. Yet

you have a great deal to learn and a great deal to prove! Fortunately you

have time to demonstrate this. My advice is to take a step back and

learn about baby boomers. Examine what they have accomplished and

realize they were once just like you.

Here are some points about me and if you have a boomer owner or

boss, some valuable advice you can use.

I tend to be optimistic, loyal, and driven. I value hard work and face-to-

face communication. You’ll discover (and maybe you have already)

there’s a different dynamic when working for a person from my

generation. While it may be tempting to feel your baby boomer boss is

“behind the times” or a little “old school,” you need to look at your

relationship with him or her from a different perspective.

Millennials already have a rough reputation when it comes to the

workplace. The world seems to view you us as a group of “self-entitled”

individuals only concerned about personal success and happiness. I

think this stereotype overlooks what the millennial generation has to

offer in the workplace.

By 2025, millennials will make up 75 percent of the workforce. However,

until your baby boomer boss retires, you’re going to have to meet their

expectations in the workplace. If you want to break the millennial

stereotype and truly prove yourself to your boss, here are some things to

consider:

Your work ethic will blow them away or scare them away. You

choose.

Baby boomers are known for their “workaholic” work ethic and “work to

live” attitude. If you’re working for a baby boomer, chances are they

expect you to be a hard worker who is dedicated to your position. Baby

boomers believe that if you work hard for what you want, chances are

you’re going to be able to accomplish that goal. By disp laying a similar

attitude, you’ll win over the respect of your boss.

Understand and value REAL communication.

While some baby boomers may have caught on to today’s

communication technologies, many of them still refer to traditional ways

of communication. Your baby boomer boss values asking questions and

seeking input when it comes to making a decision.

Instead of sending over numerous emails when you have a question or

idea, make it an effort to approach your boss in person. When you take

the time to stop by your boss’ office to chat, this can build a better

relationship than strictly communicating via email each day. Your baby

boomer boss wants to be available to you and your coworkers, so you

should take this as an opportunity to build a stronger connection with him

or her at work.

Show your boss how technology is useful, but never assume they

need too. (Many Boomers are more advanced than millennials)

We’re living in an era where technology becomes faster and more

efficient approximately every 18 months. For example, email has been

around for nearly 50 years and has evolved rapidly since its introduction

in the sixties. Today, we are constantly introduced to new technologies

that help us become more productive and efficient at work—and

millennials are the ones who are best adapting to these applications,

devices, and platforms.

Whether this comes as a surprise to you or not, 80 percent of millennials

believe their boss could learn something from them. Because of your

experience with new technology, you need to position yourself as a

digital resource to your boss. While some baby boomers have caught on

to email, social media, and texting, some have not. Show your boss how

technology is more than just a distraction and can make work a better

place. This way, you will be able to teach them what you already know

while gaining more respect by serving as a resource for their

technological needs.

Show your dedication to your job. (You need to make sacrifices)

Baby boomers are recognized as a generation who embraced making

sacrifices to get ahead in life. They invented the 60-hour work week and

were willing to go above and beyond to bring results, accomplish goals,

and earn an income that could support their families. If you want to truly

prove yourself to your baby boomer boss, you need to show them your

loyalty to your job. Whether it means working overtime or taking on an

extra project, show your boss your commitment to driving results for the

company. Now, this doesn’t mean over-extending your abilities; it just

means you should take the time to put in a little extra effort at work.

As a millennial, you’re going to be faced with the challenge of working

with different generations of management. Until you work your way to

the top of your career, you’re going to have to prove to your managers

and coworkers that you have not only passion for what you do, but the

drive to succeed as well.

Tell me how you have proven yourself to your baby boomer boss?

Bosses, what’s your take on the matter?