Think of a CEO, probably an older person, right? They probably look like they have all the answers, they've been there, they've got experience, they know the game they play.
It's a natural reaction, but do they deserve any respect more than a youngster? Does their age or longevity at a company mean that they are better suited to lead that company. Maybe not.
(personal account)
When I was a new freshman at Purdue, I had a summer job frying donuts. I was told that I had to fry every donut in the curing cupboard (where the dough rises) and then clean up the shop before I left. We had been busy all day and I was behind by an hour, but I was finishing up quickly. A older co-worker approached me and told me that the boss, Tom Saylor would be upset if I was still there when he arrived. I hastened my cleaning, but still did a thorough job. However he arrived before I could finish. He was not upset in the least.
I had taken the word of a long-time employee and had rushed my job to not displease the owner, for nothing. I was still late getting done, and no repercussions came my way. I had taken the co-worker's word because she had been there longer than me, and so obviously knew what was expected.
But what I was told was expected of me, and what was actually expected of me were two different things. Just because she had been seniority over me did not mean she was in charge of my work. I was in charge of my work, and as long as it was done right the first time, and I kept up with my co-worker (who rolled out the donuts in the first place) I was free to take my time. Wasted product was more important than speed.
I had put faith in the senior members of the team and it turned out to be misplaced. Tom made it very clear what I was to do, my co-workers muddled it.
One of the worst jobs ever
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