10 April,2009 07:51 AM IST | | Soumya Mukerji
Kal Elizabeth Hurley Aaj Gweneth Paltrow Aur Kal Freida Pinto
Hollywood hottie Gwyneth Paltrow fears losing her 1 million pounds-a-year contract with Estee Lauder to Slumdog star Freida Pinto. iTALK finds out if age can ruin your chance at success
Grey matter governs much more of your worklife than you thought, and no, this isn't about what lies in your brain, but what grows above it. Should you be wary of a fading career at the first streak of grey you spot?
Glam gal Gwyneth Paltrow certainly is. The Oscar-winning actress is biting her nails at the thought of a younger, fresher Freida Pinto standing the chance of being appointed to endorse cosmetics giant Estu00e9e Lauder.
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It was in 2005 that Gwen had replaced Elizabeth Hurley. Back home, too, age differences are making senior desi pros uncomfortable. Here's why the young and old need to create a symbiotic relationship at the office.
An under-40 firm paves the way
Who: Entertainment Solution Providers (ESP), headed by 32-year-old director B Raj Gopal
What: A creative services organisation with a 120-strong crew, all below 40.
Where: New Delhi
Their mantra: A young team doesn't let work grow old.
Boss bolta: "Our work involves a lot of travelling, thinking out of the box, and open-mindedness. Older employees tend to set rules for themselves; the younger lot is freer, energetic and adventurous, which works for us."u00a0u00a0u00a0
The biggest challenge: "Establishing an emotional connect. My younger colleagues look up to me emotionally, too. Only good work and good character can help you with that."
How they combat age-conflicts: By nipping it in the bud. "Once, we needed a graphic artist, and a very talented 36 year-old lady walked in. But I told her not to come aboard others wouldn't have been able to relate to her, and she may have been cornered."
A young one who thinks seniors shouldn't act smart
Andrea Allen, Learning Solutions Developer with a US-based firm
"There are a lot of people who go through the business world without opening their eyes, and keep getting promoted thanks to a hierarchical custom. People who should play mentors are those who have both, years of experience and passion for what they do. Otherwise, the older lot can spread negativity under the guise of mentoring the kind who say "well, you seem to really like this company, wait till you find out what it's really like. That can poison a company."
It's competency VS experience, and the former wins hands down
Ashok Bhat, director, Mindshare HR consultancy and training, decodes the age conspiracy
>>Age is an important factor, and the way organisations look at youngsters has changed. Experience, beyond a limit, isn't important. Competence is; and this refers to a number of attributes skill-based, knowledge-based and personality-based.
>>Mentorship is a must: Often, youngsters come with a very romantic view of worklife, and need to understand that it's political, irrational and even unfair. Formal mentorship programmes work well here.
>>Review and renew: It is important that both age-groups realise the value of the other experience brings hands-on wisdom while young blood brings energy.
The iTalk fight guide
>>Play a professional at work; not the baby or grandma you are deep down.
>>Treat colleagues with regard, no matter how young or old.
>>Don't fret if your boss is younger than you; it's not his/her fault.
>>When you discuss strategies and solutions, keep your co-worker's age in mind. Don't hurl jargon or bring up case studies that go back to eternity.
>>Remember, efficiency is not so much about physical age as it is about mental age.
>>If you are the junior victim, tell your superior how you'd like to see him/her as a mentor.
>>If you are one of the old hands and feel somewhat insecure, remember to let the young pack enjoy their days in the sun.
DIY lessons in managing age problems@work
Read: Age Discrimination in Employment: Cross Cultural Comparison and Management Strategies. The book researches the problem in depth and offers practical solutions for pros and HR managers.
By: Bahaudin Mujtaba
Price: Rs 1,200 (approx.)
Available on: www.amazon.com
