Running Head: NAVIGATING THE CHALLENGES OF MILLENNIAL EXECUTIVES

LEADING OLDER EMPLOYEES

Navigating The Challenges of Millennial Executives Leading Older Employees

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NAVIGATING THE CHALLENGES OF MILLENNIAL EXECUTIVES LEADING OLDER
EMPLOYEES
Navigating The Challenges of Millennial Executives Leading Older Employees

1. The article discusses the challenges involved in integrating millennial executives into

companies traditionally dominated by older employees. It highlights the growing trend of hiring

young executives to steer companies toward modern business models in areas such as digital

commerce and artificial intelligence. Young executives struggle to gain acceptance and build

trust with their older colleagues and face the potential for resentment among older employees.

Ford Motor Co. has made efforts to integrate Musa Tariq, former marketing and communications

director for Apple, into their leadership team. Ford’s CEO made efforts to involve senior

management in the hiring process and provide Tariq with informal coaching. This issue is a

growing trend across various industries that seek to stay relevant as artificial intelligence and

digital commerce grow. Young leaders grew up in the age of the internet, providing fresh

perspectives, bringing new life into old processes, and encouraging a culture of improvement.

The demand for young executives is rising, leading to a shift in workplace dynamics where more

employees are reporting to younger bosses.

2. One example of companies hiring younger executives is Ford's approach to integrating

their young chief brand officer and senior management in their team. Another is Arrow

Electronics' strategy of collaborating with its young chief digital officer and an older executive to

acquire fresh perspectives and move toward digital transformation. Since younger executives are

often more experienced in modern technologies and digital landscapes, companies that seek

innovation and competitiveness can leverage these attributes. Ford's hiring of Musa Tariq was a

strategic move to rejuvenate its brand and adapt to their competition. Introducing younger

leaders can also help companies transfer from a traditional and mechanical organizational

structure to an organic organizational structure. This structural shift can help the organization
NAVIGATING THE CHALLENGES OF MILLENNIAL EXECUTIVES LEADING OLDER
EMPLOYEES
stay competitive and adaptive. Additionally, incorporating fresh perspectives can assist

management in formulating strategies and being equipped with the knowledge needed to

formulate a plan or forecast the future of the organization regarding the competitive

environment.

3. One leadership lesson that young executives can include is the importance of

acknowledging their limitations, particularly when leading older employees. They must be open

to learning from the experience within their team. There are inherent issues that come with less

experience. Younger or new leaders cannot rely on heuristics to make programmed decisions, a

trait that a seasoned manager would have. Young executives can actively seek guidance from

older employees to bridge this knowledge gap. The effectiveness of a good leader is enhanced by

acknowledging and leveraging the diverse skills and perspectives within a team, including

understanding when to seek advice or delegate tasks to those more knowledgeable in specific

areas.

4. A theory that could address the needs of millennial executives is Transformational

Leadership. This theory emphasizes the importance of charisma, inspiration, intellectual

stimulation, and individualized consideration to motivate and engage team members.

Transformational leadership can help millennial executives manage older employees by using

their unique perspectives and skills for success. Another leadership theory that can help

millennial executives manage older employees is Management by Objectives (MBO). This

theory emphasizes the importance of setting clear, achievable goals through a collaborative

process between managers and employees. Millennial leaders can use MBO to help their team

set specific, measurable goals and align the team to the organization’s mission and objectives.
NAVIGATING THE CHALLENGES OF MILLENNIAL EXECUTIVES LEADING OLDER
EMPLOYEES
References

Ugochukwu, C. (2024, January 29). Transformational leadership theory: Inspire &

motivate. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/what-is-transformational-

leadership.html

Saudi Executive Coaching. (2023, August 15). Integrating young leaders into the

Workplace. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/integrating-young-leaders-workplace-

secoaches/