9 Ways To Please Your Crabby Old Boss

Work isn't what it used to be: your boss probably remembers the first computer they used and you have grown up your whole life surrounded by technology (How did people even survive college without Google?) Your out-of-touch boss makes your life a misery, so here's how to make your 9 to 5 more bearable.

1. Do not make any reference to the age difference

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First and foremost, your boss is your superior who can determine your salary and your reputation within the firm. Hinting at their age may make your relationship strained or awkward, which means less money in your struggling bank account. Nobody wants that. Besides, is age really that important? (More on this later)

2. Do not make assumptions...

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Because we all know what happens when you assume. While it may be easy to assume that your boss knows as much as your mother (and by as much I mean she just recently discovered the emoji keyboard) your boss has probably gone through millennial training and knows more about your generation than you may even know! That being said, also do not assume they know how to swiftly use the new app the firm just rolled out. Remember they did not grow up surrounded by technology in the same way that you grew up.

A good rule of thumb is to kindly ask if they know how: if they say yes, you seem considerate. If they say no, take a little time to point out the basics. Older generations categorically are very appreciative of one-on-one instruction and your boss will remember that teaching moment when it comes to year-end bonus time.

3. Use your parents as a resource

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Let’s face it: Your parents are old and out-of-touch, much like your boss. However, you can ask your parents just about anything. They are your parents and will not get offended by your questions. Just make sure you talk with them about your life too; no parent wants to only hear from their child when they need information!

4. Let your body do the talking

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Sex sells, but so does confidence! Research on body language has increased tenfold over the past decades. Use those findings to your benefit. Your boss may be your superior, but your body doesn't have to say so. Study up on these 12 helpful hints.

5. Acknowledge that your boss has probably stereotyped you

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Be careful of making typical “millennial” statements. Your boss probably assumes you are a lazy, entitled twenty-something who gets money from daddy to pay her Manhattan rent and spends his weekends bar hopping. Refrain from discussing your social doings, or rephrase your explanations as to not penalize you. Remember, you already have a target on your back; don’t give your boss reason to shoot at it.

6. So try to break the stereotypes

Read up on how offices used to function and take a cue or two. Wear formal business attire the next time it might be appropriate. (Besides pleasing your boss, there are also great benefits to dressing up for work!) Come into the office one day “just because you wanted to”. Perhaps hold back on that new idea that you want to pitch directly to the CEO. Your boss will re-evaluate you on your own merits only when you stop embodying the stereotypes society has taught them to rely upon.

7. But do use your generational difference to your advantage

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Millennials are known for their ease with technology coupled with their creative approaches. Establish yourself as the tech-savvy out-of-the-box thinker in the department, if that’s who you are. Within any team, we all have niches to fill based on our varying strengths and experiences. Let your millennial experiences guide you.

8. The internet is your best friend

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The Internet may not have been around when your boss was in college, but it sure is now, so use it. When your boss makes a reference you do not understand, look it up. If there is a will, there is a wiki-way. And if you really are lost as to how to tackle the generational differences of you and your boss, you can start your research with this Harvard Business Review tip guide.

9. Most of all, realize you really are not that different from your boss

Like I said originally, age is just a number. You and your boss both want the same things: “respect, sense of impact, and for our boss to leave us alone so we can get our work done”. Forget the formalities and technology and force yourself to find a common denominator with your boss. Once upon a time, your boss was once young and part of a “revolutionary generation” as well. At the end of the day, no one generation is that profoundly different from another. We are all people, we all have a boss, and we all can learn a thing or two from each other.

But...

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If all this fails, there is always an available position at Dunder-Mifflin, with the world’s best boss.