The Young Leader: Does Age Really Matter in Business?

Walking into a supermarket, demanding to speak to the manager, you are met with the face of someone who can not be more than twenty years old. You ask again, "I asked to speak to the manager?" She smiles and politely introduces herself as the manager and asks how she can help you. During this awkward moment, you are likely asking yourself, "Who put her in charge?"

Good news! More and more young people are being injected into the corporate world. They are replacing older executives with fresh ideas that create a buzz and excitement in the working world. Today's business world is about staying tech savvy and always in the loop. It's important that as times change, we embrace young people and what they offer. Likely they have been put in their positions because of their outstanding track record and hard work.

The Numbers Tell A Story.
Forbes Online did an article about Young Guns vs. Senior Citizens. It shows that younger CEOs outdid their older counterparts by huge numbers. Most companies are looking for energy and passion. Do you agree that young people possess a great deal of ideas and techniques that can enhance a business? Of course, they can also pay respect to those who paved the way for them, by improving business ideas. However, one of the other important aspects of this has to deal with compensation.

Obviously someone who has just been hired to do the job of a seasoned manager will be compensated at a lesser rate. Tenure is a big deal in today's world. Corporate directors can minimize costs when they hire in a 'breath of fresh air.' It is also likely that they will not have to deal with the issues that may arise with a more tenured individual.

The Young Entrepreneur
Fraser Doherty: Moving jam from kitchen to factory
At the tender age 14, Doherty started making jams from his grandmother's recipes in Scotland. As business picked up, he left school and turned to making jam full time. Flavors include Blueberry & Blackcurrant, Rhubarb & Ginger, and Cranberry & Raspberry. His business currently generates about one million in sales per annum. His quote, "I can't be preoccupied with the money, I make jam because it's what I love to do."

Want to know more about folks like Fraser Doherty? Click here.

Question: Are you young and feel that your ideas will be shot down because of your age?
Answer: Be vibrant and engaging. Be brave and stand up for your ideas. Passion can get you farther than you think!

How To Deal with A Young Boss.
Have you been side swiped for a job due to lack of qualifications or other issues. It's important to recognize that dealing with someone who is younger and less experienced requires patience on your part. You may be against your company's decision to hire in this young blood. Don't let it get to you. Companies are doing everything they can to cut costs and bring in new leadership.

Help this young person by showing them the ropes. Hopefully, with dignity and respect you can both make for a great work environment.

Creating the Future

Now more than ever, we depend on our youth to carve the future. Young people have aspired in many different directions. Today more than ever, people of all ages aspire to get educated or certified in their respective fields. It is welcoming to know that there are CEOs out there who run large companies that started off on simple ground. Google, Dell, Apple and many other big name companies started off with young bucks experimenting with projects that eventually made it through trial and error.

Young people should be very careful when accepting job offers. Be aware of what jobs your market is offering and know what you're worth. Many websites are dedicated to helping educate people about their current worth. Check out Pay Scale for details.