Dear Deidre,

Please remember that simply because someone is younger/less experienced than you, it does not mean that their are less skilled, or capable for the job. I know you have spent your blood and sweat to get where you are today, and this should be an indicator of the wisdom you have achieved.

Having the older/younger mentality towards colleagues is not part of this wisdom, and I know you will agree with me. I believe if you start seeing them as your colleagues, the people you spend a great part of your day and life with, and start using your expertise and life experience in a complementary to their work’s way, soon enough they will not only understand, but also appreciate your value and seek for your wisdom.

Sometimes, even though we know our value and that is a good thing, we do not know how to communicate it to others in an efficient way. When we learn how to communicate that value we have identified in us, then positive things start happening.

This is what being assertive if about. Instead of being overtaken by negative feelings, we should focus on how to solve the problem at hand in a rational and human way, and soon the negative feelings will fade away. Nothing lasts forever after all.

I hope you are happy in your life. Take care.