“Diversity among managers may bring many varying characteristics to their teams,” she said, “such as adaptability, openness to feedback, appreciation for flexible schedules, awareness of the needs of working parents, and belief in the importance of work-life balance, collaboration and enthusiasm.”
![Woman speaks to man at interview desk](https://freeamericanetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/career-challenge-your-boss-is-younger-than-you-are-how-do-you-handle-it-1.jpg)
A manager and employee are not in competition with each other — and their roles and responsibilities are likely vastly different, said one job expert. (iStock / iStock)
Should you find yourself apprehensive about reporting to a younger manager, Leal said to remember that age should not be a focal point, as it’s neither a predictor of success nor an indicator of competencies.
“It is also not fair to make assumptions about the manager’s leadership style,” she said.
Respect is earned and goes both ways.