How Do I Lead People Older or More Experienced Than Me?

There’s a moment when you look around on set and realize…
You’re the youngest in the room.
Or the least experienced.
Or both.

And yet—you’re the one leading.

Welcome to one of the most stretching (and refining) places in creative leadership: leading people with more years, more credits, or more skill than you. It’s intimidating. It’s vulnerable. And it’s holy ground—if you let it be.

Here’s how to lead well without performing, pretending, or powering up.

1. Authority Isn’t the Same as Ego

You were given this role—by God, by trust, by process. You don’t need to pretend you earned it with perfect knowledge or some unshakable swagger. You’re not in the room because you’re the smartest. You’re in the room because you’re supposed to be there.

The minute you start performing to “prove” yourself, you’ve already stepped out of rest. Lead from calling, not compensation.

2. Acknowledge the Room—Out Loud

It doesn’t make you small to name the obvious. Try this:

“I know some of you have been doing this longer than I have—and I just want to say thank you for the grace and excellence you bring to this project. I don’t take it lightly.”

Honor always disarms pride. And when you set the tone with humility, people are more likely to lean in—not pull away.

3. Stay Open, Not Insecure

Insecurity will make you shrink back or overcompensate. Neither serves the team.

Instead, stay open: ask questions, seek input, and listen. You don’t have to execute every idea, but seasoned collaborators will know if you’re just nodding vs. genuinely curious. Real leaders aren’t afraid to be students in the room.

4. Lead With Clarity, Not Volume

You don’t have to be the loudest or most charismatic person on set. What people are looking for is direction, not domination. Clarity over chaos.

Speak simply. Own your decisions. Invite collaboration—but don’t leave the team floating in ambiguity. Experienced teammates appreciate clear communication more than hype or vibe.

5. Let Fruit Speak Louder Than Age

It’s not about age—it’s about fruit. About peace. About presence. About how people feel after working with you.

Most people don’t actually mind being led by someone younger. They just don’t want to be mishandled by someone unprepared. So show up with honor. Stay grounded. Lead by listening. And let the integrity of your leadership tell the story.

Final Thought

If God trusted you with the seat, He’ll give you the grace to steward it. You don’t have to posture to earn respect—just be faithful with the people in front of you.

And remember: leadership isn’t about knowing more.
It’s about serving well—even when your hands are still learning.