MAKING IT WORK : Tips to Help Older Workers Deal With Younger Bosses

Some older workers feel self-conscious and lack confidence because they’re afraid they won’t be able to keep up with their younger co-workers, notes Helen Greenblatt, a 70-year-old Laguna Hills psychotherapist.

However, she adds, many older workers are just as quick as everyone else, and those who need a bit more time to complete tasks shouldn’t worry about it.

“The younger boss doesn’t hire an older worker for speed,” Greenblatt says. “They hire for intelligence, loyalty, dedication and dependability. These are all attributes the younger boss respects.”

The therapist, who just started working toward a doctorate in psychology, offers the following tips to help older workers feel more at ease with younger bosses:

* Focus on the job to be done--not the age difference.

* Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t fully understand directions.

* Don’t be patronizing with your boss. You may have more experience, but you have a lot to learn about new ways of doing things.

* Dress appropriately for your age; don’t try to look younger than you are.

* Don’t assume you should be given special allowances because of your age. Your boss should know you can be expected to produce the same quality of work as everyone else.