6 tips for working with much younger colleagues

I restarted my career five years ago, after a decades-long hiatus. Previously, I'd been editor-in-chief of five national consumer publications with hundreds of bylines. But by the time I re-entered the field (after having a daughter in my 40s), it was no longer recognizable. Suddenly working with much younger colleagues has been challenging, but I've figured out how to do it well. If you follow my advice, I think you will, too.

Although at first I felt like a dinosaur, today I'm a respected member of the publishing and blogging community, as well as a writing coach. These days, I love working with young people, and I'd like to say I think they love working with me. My circuitous path from "seasoned newbie" to valued mentor and inspiring role model comprised several strategies.

You have decades to draw on, and your younger workers may find that valuable. When I was reinventing myself, I drew up a shortlist of what I thought I could offer millennials. For example I had worked on small-staffed print publications that were run much like the way digital staffs are. I also had contacts, deep knowledge of the publishing industry and access to professional associations like the American Society of Journalists and Authors, where I've been working with younger staff in my role as chair for the upcoming ASJA Writers Conference.

My experience has also helped ease the mental state of some of my younger colleagues. Because I have worked with so many personality types in my long career, I don't freak out with setbacks like production delays or sources gone dry. My now calm demeanor (speaking as someone who was very high strung when I was younger) helps soothe the nerves of people I work with in their 20s and 30s.

Younger workers — who spend more time on social media sites than older generations — feel that you can relate to their lives better if you're on social media channels. Unfortunately, many workers in their 50s and 60s don't know how to maximize their social media and don't even try. That's a mistake.

After making a conscious effort to be more visible on social media, I now have a widely followed blog, large profiles on most social media sites and a verified Twitter account with nearly 12,000 followers. Younger workers respect me for that.

I recommend that older workers get a Twitter and Snapchat account, tell their younger colleagues about this, retweet them and share their business-oriented posts on social media.

I couldn't agree more. Conversing through technology that millennials prefer has been a big change for me, but a big help working with a younger generation.

I used to try too hard to ingratiate myself with younger colleagues, but eventually I realized I didn't have to expend that much energy. That realization gave me confidence, and millennials tend to find confidence appealing.

Think about the jungle: The lion is the most powerful animal, but doesn't exert energy until necessary. These days, I am calm when working and when I speak, I do so with authority, while avoiding long-winded monologues (which younger workers hate).

Many companies such as Target, Cisco, Colgate Palmolive, UnitedHealth Group and EY (formerly Ernst & Young) find reverse mentoring effective. It's an opportunity for younger workers to advise senior ones on the technology their generation prefers and how they like to engage. At EY, says reverse mentoring program manager Jeff Stier, topics can include technology, social media, change management and flexibility; the younger worker sets the agenda.

"Millennials respond really well if they feel you value, trust and empower them," says Stier.

Laney Zukerman, author and relationship expert says: "By creating a mind-set that we can learn from them, the relationship can be harmonious. In turn, they respect and admire the life lessons we offer."

Millennials entered the workforce during one of the most economically challenging times since the Great Depression, so they've typically adapted a "live now" mentality. To better relate to them, I read the book "Time Shifting: Creating More Time to Enjoy Your Life," which says that by focusing on the "now," we can take back control of our lives.

I've since learned how to stop dwelling on disappointments or the past, and I'm much happier. When stressed, I repeat this mantra from "Time Shifting": "I'm fine just as I am right now, this moment in time." This helped stabilize my breathing and my emotions. It makes me easier to work with and wouldn't have happened without the inspiration of my younger colleagues.

Show younger workers that they can benefit from the wisdom of your age and resourcefulness and that you value what they value — social media and technology. Then, you'll reap the professional and financial rewards.

This story originally appeared on NextAvenue.com