Is This A Fair Reason???

Question

I'm Applying for a 2ic Position at work and my manager told the current 2ic i would get it but she doesn't think i could direct the older women in the work place.

i belive its not my problem i belive if the older women cannot take directions from a younger person then its their problem and i shouldn't be told i cant have the posisiton.

please helppppp im going to talk to her tommorw.

Answer 1

Fair, no.  But legal for them to deny you the position.  Illegal age discrimination is only if you are over 40.

Answer 2

Ask her if it's a direct reference to your age or to another one of your work qualities.

Answer 3

Actually, it IS your problem.  If this position requires you to be in a supervisory position over these women who are older than you, then you have to be able to lead and supervise.  If you can't gain the respect of your department, you won't be an effective supervisor and you could end up losing your job.

And that's true of any management or supervisory position, no matter what the age or race or gender of the supervisor vs. the employees.  No company is going to fire a team or a department or a shift because no one gets along with the new supervisor - the new supervisor gets axed or gets transferred.

So are you ready to lead these women?  Do you trust and respect them and their work?  Are you willing to go into this position *listening*?  Or are you going to overcompensate for being young by being overly bossy and rigid?  

I don't see any reason why your age should keep you from getting this job.  What's more important is your work personality, how you get along with your supervisors and your peers, how well you take direction, how well you delegate, how well your team operates together.  If you're ready to be a supervisor, then go for it and good luck to you!