Having a tough time managing coworker who is 8 years older, any tips?
Did well in my first 2 years at this company and was transferred to another department to manage a team of 4. I’m (F) in my late 20s and this particular coworker (F) is in her mid 30s.
She has terrible attitude and bosses don’t value her work.
As I am now her direct report, I face large resistance and undermining, she is not happy that I got to give her instructions as she has been here for 5 years without a promotion.
I choose to remain extremely professional, eg no small talks, no ranting, no gossips with her as she is notoriously known to twist words and leak conversations.
I am not at my wits end but would like to take up this challenge of trying to manage her instead of reporting upwards and getting her into disciplinary action. I would value all advice, thank you.
Netizen’s comments
Well, personally, it is what it is. I don’t believe in the “I can fix her.” notion for every broken person I see.
Continue as you are, give her orders nothing else. If you have to give her comfort, check in on her work less, she probably sees you as irritating. This may result in reduced work quality since you’ll not be micromanaging as heavily as before.
Ensure you have a ‘paper trail’ of every order you give her so that it doesn’t blow up in your face. Just because you’re coworkers doesn’t mean you have to be friends.