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Gen Z Bossing Boomers with Class with Collin Thomey
Manage episode 515362865 series 2904195
At 22 years old, Colin Thomey manages staff members twice his age while running his own golf performance business on the side. His journey from retail frustration to golf course general manager reveals what happens when Gen Z enters leadership roles in family businesses.
Colin learned early on in his career that coming on too strong with new ideas instead of taking time to understand the family business, their margins, memberships, and existing staff dynamics.
The turning point came when Colin asked for one shot to prove his value through a single event. That quick win built trust and opened doors for future innovations. His approach offers lessons for any young person stepping into management roles where experience gaps create natural skepticism.
Colin earned credibility with his older team through consistent respect and honest communication. He stays available, admits when he's wrong, and treats everyone the same regardless of age.
His golf instruction stands apart from traditional swing coaches. Colin focuses on the mental game, tracking multiple performance metrics to help golfers understand what's really happening beyond their scorecard.
- Quick wins build trust faster than comprehensive plans when starting new roles.
- Respect through language matters regardless of age differences.
- Constant communication prevents issues before they escalate into problems.
- Admitting mistakes immediately earns more respect than defensive justification.
- Track multiple metrics, not just primary outcomes for complete performance understanding.
- Side businesses provide security and creative freedom corporate environments restrict.
Leading people older than you or starting your own business while working full-time? Learn from those navigating these challenges successfully.
Subscribe to Blue Collar BS for more conversations with young leaders building careers and businesses across industries. Share this episode with anyone who needs perspective on earning respect when age works against them.
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