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I'm 23 and interviewed for a certain position. One of my references is a successful businessman well known and well respected in my area that I have worked for.
I was called yesterday and told that I would be hired, but not for what I was interviewing for, but for a supervisory role and managing a group of 25-30 people. (I have a bachelor's in this area from a well known University). The hiring manager told me that they intended to promote someone internally who has been there a while to this position but decided to offer me the position. It was stated to me that I got a very impressive reference from the well-respected local businessman and that played a large role in their decision. The job will also pay me considerably more then I would have had if I took the basic position.
Naturally, I am elated and plan to thrive in my new role. But I read threads here about people who won't give any respect to a younger female supervisor. Is it really going to be as bad as some of these people make it out to be with the level of respect I get?
Thankfully, the man who hired me told me I have his support entirely and if I run into respect issues with them, that he will address it in my favor.
Yes - I could see (at least initially) resentment at an outsider suddenly showing up and being put in that role.
BUT - just concentrate on doing your job well, and they'll get over it.
One key trait I've seen in others who have successfully done so (self included) is having VERY good people skills - not only knowing how to interact/communicate with different people (i.e. alter your behavior/nuances/word choices to fit the person you're communicating with), but also being able to "read" people - knowing their strengths/weaknesses as well as what their point-of-view/where they're coming from is - and manage your expectations of them accordingly.
I've found that less successful people in charge of others tend to use a one-size-fits-all methodology not only for their communication style, but also for what they expect out of their employees (i.e. expecting a brand-new hire to have the same level of expertise as someone who's been there for years).
good luck - your goal is to be perceived as a Leader, not just a manager
At 25, I started my own company with my brother (21). We grew it to 34 people and had it 17 years.
I ran into this issue more with older females than with older men. I had one female that pushed the envelope and it was 4 years of hell. (My brother wanted to keep her). Finally, he saw it for himself.
Today, 15 years later, I'm in a different business but am Facebook friends with several of my old crew.
inspire them...set an example for them to follow. Haters will hate and people will be jealous and all; however, you have to work much harder than you did before just because... the reasons stated by the poster below RVD90277.
congrats!
Last edited by ameridreamNoT; 11-07-2015 at 07:32 PM..
I have seen many people stumble in this type of situation and 99% of the time it is not because they don't have the skills to do the job but it is because they mess up the people skills early on. My advice:
1) Be humble. You are in a position of authority but make it clear that you are there to learn from them especially early on.
2) Don't make any drastic changes too quickly. Observe, talk to them so that their voices are heard, and then discuss your thoughts for changes with them before making them. You don't want a "new sheriff in town" attitude.
3) Don't be quick to make judgements. Your supervisor may try to seed this by saying "X is a hothead and really doesn't do a good job. Y is incompetent. etc..." You should come up with your own opinions about your new co-workers.
4) Make some small changes that the team has been wanting for quite some time. Usually these are good changes that will benefit the company but the co-workers simply didn't have anyone with authority willing to champion these ideas for them. You should do so and give credit to them. Don't be afraid to say good things about your co-workers if you see positive behavior.
5) Make it clear to your team that your success depends on their success so you're all in this together. With your superiors, give them confidential insight into some changes that you are thinking of doing to improve the team but make it clear that you want to take some time to observer and learn before making changes too quickly.
honestly, if you have never supervised and they're giving you 25-30 people i would run, run far away! It doesn't matter how much more money they are offering, managing sucks. Unless you're managing professionals in their 30's or so..
And i would also be leery of a company offering someone that kind of role after interviewing for something entry level just because of who you know.
I would be worried that you would get let go after a few months when things to work out. What industry is this?
I'm 23 and interviewed for a certain position. One of my references is a successful businessman well known and well respected in my area that I have worked for.
Networking is a wonderful thing.
Someday, these people who complain they can't get a good job will realize that. Congratulations and good luck!
A 23-year-old managing up to 30 people just out of school? Be happy but also appreciate the serious challenge you are about to undertake.
You need to start preparing and educating yourself on leadership. There are great videos, books, articles, etc. Use them not to copy their style but to help yourself develop your own style.
Seek advice from others (outside that company) as well.
Don't let your great decisions go to your head, and don't let your mistakes make you quit.
Good luck, and don't let anyone tell you you can't do it.
Thank you very much for the excellent advice provided here!
RVD, you're the best, thank you!
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Listen to those who work under you
