What are some good ways to deal with a difficult employee that is 15 - 20 years older than you?

Update: I am guessing that your boss is a little threatened by someone younger being a manager. Even with her previous comments, I strongly suggest that you follow-up with her stating the reasons why you need to do it - what you suggest the action plan would be and most importantly how it will make the department better. If that still doesn't work (which I'm hearing you believe), I would recommend sitting down with him and entering a frank conversation about his behavior, his degree of satifisfaction, etc. If he says he's dissatisfied that can give you the entree to offer to help him find another job in the organization that is a better fit. Best of luck!!!

My suggestion is that you develop an action plan.

A. Identify the behaviors that need to change to be a valuable member of your team, such as:

1. Supporting departmental goals and decisions

2. Respectful communication

B. Identify the length of time to resolve the concerns.

C. Meet with the individual. Tell the the ways in which they are helpful to the organization and what they contribute. Discuss what behaviors need to change to remain a team member.

D. Beforehand, meet with HR / your boss know of the action plan, length of time and the importance of this step to meet departmental goals.

If your HR department / organization does not have an action plan template:

1. Google employee action plan

2. Read this article: http://www.ehow.com/how_4822140_write-employee-per...

Best of luck!

Carole

www.shining-star.org

Age is always going to be a problem. The older some people get, the bigger their head's get, and not always their brains if you know what I mean. I suggest you single him out, sit him down somewhere private and tell him what you expect of him in a professional manner.

You must get rid of those emotions, fears or anger that you feel towards him, not just cover them up. He is your employee or lower colleague. Just say it how it is. "This is the work. Do it the way I want it to be done. I expect you to act in a civil manner to me."

Have confidence to step up to him and tell him that you don't care whether he is your grandfather's age. You want the work done, and you want it done without unnecessary name calling or hostility. It's about attitude, not method. Be bold and strong and he will see you for what you are. Try not to let him upset you. He is only doing it because of his unhappiness.

Just like you are strong, you must also be lenient. Allow him to ask you questions, or get help, as long as he is reasonable to you. Don't find ways to solve your personal vendettas against him. Rather treat him like someone with potential and someone that contributes to your performance.

If all else fails, find some people who have also experienced his rudeness (2 or 3 at least). Form a group and go to your boss and make your point. She'll be more willing to listen to three people's opinions then just your own.

give him the shittiest tasks possible. Like a boss. Make him inventory the pens, paper and office supplies. If he refuses, write him up for insubordination. Then **** on his desk. Like a Boss.

Ignore him and he will leave you alone. Seems like he is getting satisfaction by making you miserable. He is probably miserable himself and want to make everyone else miserable also.