When talking with senior managers in organizations I often hear this line in reference to a younger employee moving up….“he is too young.” So, the person is well-qualified, has demonstrated competence and is viewed as having high potential but the knock against them is they are too young. Tell that to Jonathan Toews (pronounced Taves).

Last night the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup. Toews is the team captain. You know, the Team Captain….that grizzly old-veteran who has seen it all, done it all, and sets the standard for all to follow. Except Toews is 22 years old. Oh yeah, he was the series MVP too. Last year Sydney Crosby was the captain with Pittsburgh and he was 21. In Iraq and Afghanistan there are twenty-something year old corporals, sergeants, lieutenants and captains defending our nation. Their challenge is more severe than playing for the Cup but, whether it be the Cup or combat, young leaders are getting the job done. Yes, many in their 20s have not demonstrated what it takes to be that new regional manager (or whatever) but some have. The blanket excuse of he is too young is a disservice to the employee and to your organization. You weren’t perfect when you got promoted (at whatever age) and neither will the young person you advance. Are millenials different than Gen X and Boomers. In some ways but don’t miss the good ones.

Take a look around your organization. Do you see anyone who might be worth a second look but you have been looking past them because of some bad assumptions you are applying to them. Too young? Maybe they are ready.

This entry was posted on Friday, June 11th, 2010 at 2:36 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.