Use inexperience to your advantage in the workplace

By Lily Garcia Special to The Washington Post

You’re worried about age discrimination at work, but this isn’t the typical story. You’re young, and you fear you’re being treated like a kid. A coworker 20-plus years your senior looks down at you, even though your jobs are comparable. All you want to do is sit at the adult table and be shown some respect. What can you do?

Expect to work harder to prove yourself It shouldn’t be this way, but twenty-something employees often have to work much harder than an older employee to gain the respect of their team. That shouldn’t be the case. The laws of some states protect younger workers from age discrimination as well as older workers.

Keep an open mind, even if it’s not easy The most effective antidote to your situation is an open mind. If your colleague thinks that you take issue with his age, it may be because you fit the profile of the type of person who has judged him or her based on age in the past. In making those assumptions about you, your colleague is, of course, guilty of the same counterproductive behavior that has him on the defensive. If you, in turn, react in a manner that draws attention to your age difference, then you will only be reinforcing your colleague’s negative stereotypes.

Surprise your critics by your actions The best way to diffuse the situation is by responding in the opposite way that your colleague expects. If you are regarded as a neophyte, you should strive to portray the sage. When your colleague makes negative comments about your age and experience, respond with curiosity rather than anger or agitation. Acknowledge your age difference and ask your colleague whether he has constructive feedback for you regarding how you can keep age from becoming an obstacle to your working relationship.