Seasoned Leaders v. Kid Managers
#25 - 03.07.21
Brother -
You're young, just starting your career - and you may have noticed an age bias in your company. It's common. It comes both from young professionals who only want to be managed by the "seasoned leaders" and the "seasoned leaders" who look down at the young professionals as "kids."
What I want you to see, though, is that capabilities are greater than experience. Both in terms of how you should view potential managers and how you want them to view you. And ironically, searching for the up-and-coming "kid manager" can have outsized benefits from the "seasoned leader."
Who better to take a bet on you than someone who was given a similar opportunity recently?
The "kid manager" who first recruited me to Uber (when it was a start-up) would say,
"We are given responsibilities far greater than our experience."
And it was true. Over time though, this fades as the company matures. "Seasoned leaders" are brought in, and you try not to let your age become a limiting factor.
I've done all the tricks in the book to appear older at work. I've worn fake glasses, despite having perfect vision. I grew a beard (well, tried to) as I fought through some awkward patchy stages. Even in Kenya, I wore long sleeve collared shirts every day, choosing to uncomfortably sweat like an overweight Brooks Brothers model vs. wearing t-shirts and shorts like everyone else.
The tricks are temporary. The key is finding a manager who gives you the chance to "rise to the occasion." Look for those who others are taking bets on. Chances are they know a thing or two and can help you navigate the waters as well.
To wrap it up - that "kid manager" who recruited me to Uber. Well, it was my second time working for him. In my first company, I searched for the guy others were taking bets on and ended up being the first employee he ever managed. When he left for Uber... guess who his first call was to? ;)
Let me leave you with a quote and question.
"Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don't."
-Bill Nye
Who are the high performers a few years older than you at work - what can you learn from them?
Enjoy the dance,
Nate