Managing Senior Staff

Tact is the key to managing senior or expert staff. Sometimes we manage staff who know more than we do, who are older than we are, and who may have wanted our job. By carefully developing, or re-establishing a respectful relationship with them, we can take advantage of their knowledge without giving up our own authority.

First, develop a true respect for what they know. Respect is very difficult to fake, so don't wasting your energy on false sentiments. If necessary, take some time to think about what you (and the organization) need from them.

Second, set aside some time to talk to them in a private meeting or over a relaxed cup of coffee. Show your appreciation of their abilities by citing examples of where they have been successful and how the skills could be used again for the current work. If you don't know them well, this early stage in the relationship is when you can ask questions and get to know them better.

Third, listen to their ideas. If they resent or don't trust your authority yet, your listening must be very active. Pick up on verbal clues regarding their strengths and genuinely open up the conversation to building on those strengths. Let them understand that you want to capitalize on everyone's strengths.

Finally, keep the working environment open. Develop your own ability to hear ideas and fit them into the current work plan or into future planning activities. One approach is to put up a white board where everyone can "graffiti" ideas. This way innovative thinking doesn't get lost while day-to-day tasks are accomplished.