To struggle managing people that are much older and/or more experienced than me?

[leaveitnow1244]

Just that really, not all staff older and more experienced just some.

What techniques do you use to deal with those like this?

I'm finding it really hard!

So the question is: why are you managing people whose job you have little to no experience in? What are you managing, exactly?

Bizarre comment. I've managed teams of vastly different specialists and have not done a lot of their jobs. That's not how management works.

@wincywincyspider you hit the nail on the head!

It's a case of things changing and more experienced people not getting on board.

You're also right in what you said I have lots of experience they just have lots more - doesn't mean they're more skilled at the job (they're not!) but getting them to understand that concept is tricky when they've done the job so long

but getting them to understand that concept is tricky when they've done the job so long

Getting them to understand the concept that they are not more skilled than you are? Maybe don’t try to push that “concept” and try a more collaborative management style.

Having been in this position I think the course of action depends on the actual job/task. If it's a compliance issue, then company policy trumps all and they need to get on board. If they can't then it's a HR matter.

If it's not compliance based but more like task 1 takes them 4 days but should actually take 2 days when efficiency measures are implemented then I'd be giving them the 2 day deadline anyway. How they choose to get it done is up to them but I'd expect it done. Providing you've given plenty of new training, updated policies/processes etc.

If there's a quicker, more modern method it's not unreasonable for businesses to implement these techniques. Businesses need efficiency and staff taking longer to do something than necessary is a waste of money. The same applies to older/young/experienced/inexperienced staff.

"If we always do what we've always done we'll always get what we always got." Where's the growth in that!