Showing Your Age
I recently met with a potential client, and she conveyed a recent interview experience that she had. We are of similar age, so when I queried her as to how she responded to the interviewer, I realized that she had been “showing her age.” What I mean by that is that she was polite (she said “Yes, Ma’am”, “Please” and “Thank You”); she wore professional business attire including jewelry and make-up; and she sent a follow-up thank-you note.
I am not saying that the younger generations don’t do the same thing; but what I am saying is that this behavior is more prevalent in older generations as we considered it standard business etiquette.
I performed a little survey among my colleagues, as well as reflected upon my own previous work experiences, and I discovered a few interesting things:
Politeness in the workplace does not go as far in the workplace as it used to.
Manners are now taught as a “continuing education” course.
Collaboration in many instances is seen as a weakness as credit is shared so no one can claim all the work as “theirs” alone.
Communication consists of emails, texts and “teams” meetings; face-to-face is only on an as-needed basis.
Needless to say, I now have a better understanding of the current workplace’s “culture,” and why it can be difficult for those of a certain age to obtain employment. We don’t fit the correct mold. We understand the rules; we work for the good of the company and not necessarily for ourselves; we have lots of experience and experiences which are assets but are seen as detriments since we might know more than someone else. We are willing to learn, but we also ask questions and expect answers. We don’t work to the clock, but we also appreciate fairness in treatment. .We are trying to grasp work-life balance; we like to talk to people when we have questions; we will speak when we pass you in the corridor.
Being of a certain age does not indicate “old,” but experienced. We embrace inter-personal communication…we look people in the eye; we shake hands; we ask questions; we might even use paper and pencil. And yes, we do write in cursive.
I now tell my clients that showing your age is a risk, but to not shy away from it. Read the room; but don’t forsake your integrity because it is absent within that particular situation. You stay true to you!