Janique FullerProject Manager| CSC GlobalSicklerville, Nj, United States
I am 23 years old and I am always the youngest project manager in the company. What advice can anyone give on how to be heard more and not looked over?? Saving Changes...
All the very young employees that have recently started their careers have this kind of issues no matter their job.
The problem with PMs is that, at least in theory, they are expected to lead temporary teams, however there is not such thing as an entry-level leader position.
In order to become a leader, you need experience as a non-leader. The fact that entry-level PM positions exist makes you believe that these are not leadership roles as even freshly graduates can work in these roles.
Having leadership potential is not enough to be a leader you first need to gain experience as a non-leader.
Nonetheless as you gain more experience this situation will improve as it improves for all the young employees with limited experience. This is not even related to project management, but it is just a common problem for all the entry level employees. Some can get out of this problem quickly for others it takes longer. Saving Changes...
Derrick RichardsonFounder| Richardson Consulting & Coaching LLCUnion City, Ca, United States
Jul 06, 2019 10:25 AM
Replying to Janique Fuller
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Unfortunately I get hit with all three (ageism, sexism, and racism) !
Great advice from Eric! Saving Changes...
Derrick RichardsonFounder| Richardson Consulting & Coaching LLCUnion City, Ca, United States
Jul 08, 2019 11:01 AM
Replying to Wade Harshman
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There's no magic solution; you'll have to prove yourself to a lot of older people because of your age. But don't worry, you'll eventually have to prove yourself to a lot of younger people because of your age.
Agree with Wade that there are no short cuts. You can't "microwave" experience, and we all have to pay our dues. Saving Changes...
Kimberly McCoyProject Manager| TekSystems - ContractorZanesville, Oh, United States
Another is to be confident. Walk into meetings/calls and have confidence in your tone. This will allow those listening to gather and interpret that you know what you are doing.
I do agree with others as well that you need patience. I was the youngest in my office for a while, but after a really successful hard project, I was able to prove to them that I understood what I was doing. It takes time, but know that you know what you are doing and do it well.
Good luck!
Also, just think, it won't last forever :) Saving Changes...
Erika BroszSenior Engineer| Clearyway Energy (F.K.A. NRG Renewables)Broomfield, Co, United States
I agree with the content of many others above. I am typically the youngest, as well a the only female in a very male dominated industry. I could tell by the facial expressions when I entered the room, or the request that were made to me (to hand out pamphlets or greet folks as they enter the meeting room, rather than activities of more substance) that I was not being respected and taken seriously for the high level of contribution I am able to make. My key courses of action were to never get emotional or confrontational, but remain strong in my insistence and perseverance. MAKE them listen to you through means of showing that you are competent and knowledgeable. Do not allow anyone else to define your ability to influence the success of the project; drive it forward yourself. They will notice and you will earn their respect. Saving Changes...
Hello Janique,
Three things I can propose, and I think they apply at any age, but may have more impact for a younger PM. First off is to make a fair analysis of yourself, adequacy is important in deciding when to step up to a given task or when to contribute to a discussion. Seems obvious, but the important point is to stretch yourself within the limit of what you can achieve. You need to know what that is. The only way to learn that is by trying (luck plays a role here, you don't have control on the work you'll be offered or assigned, but you can influence it). Second, if you are not familiar with it I highly recommend the book (and workshop if you can attend) on the 7 habits of highly effective people. In particular, there is a figure in that book that shows the progression from dependence, to independence to interdependence. This ties in to my first point, you first need to show independence, i.e. prove that you are reliable, that you are competent and able to deliver what is required of you. Once you've shown independence, you can work towards interdependence which I think is what we all strive for in the workplace, to be an integral and recognized part of the talent pool and be able to make a meaningful contribution. The book and workshop were very helpful to me and it is knowledge I cherish and apply to this day. Third and last, and I'm afraid I can't help you much there, is self-affirmation. You need to be able to step up when you want to contribute. Easier said than done, right. However, it's something that is important in life in general, so well worth working on. So, to summarize, know what you're capable of, aim for small successes that you can build on and don't be afraid to step up or raise your hand. Saving Changes...
Be patient and help others.
Develop a capability nobody yet wants to excel in (be ahead in time).
Be good at what you do but also spend time looking ahead.
Listen and learn. Be courageous. Act ethically.
Excellent advice!
Volunteer to take on any tasks and get them done. You'll become the person people turn to when they need help. And when the time comes that you need help, others will pitch in. Saving Changes...
There's no magic solution; you'll have to prove yourself to a lot of older people because of your age. But don't worry, you'll eventually have to prove yourself to a lot of younger people because of your age.
Don't shy away from making you voice heard, You need to show you are capable of taking the responsibility. Also depends on the industry, if you are in a very technical industry, it's a good idea to understand your industry first. Ensure you have a good mentor. A good mentor can make or break your success. Treat other the way you want to be treated. Next one is unfortunate but true, lot of people judge you without knowing you, and hence looking the part is important. Always dress 2 positions ahead of where you currently are. Indulge in reading at least 1 hr/ day, this will elevate your career from rest very quickly. Also always be humble, no work is small work. I was sweeping one of the CN trailers when i was on site, and when the men working on the project saw that they thanked me for it and said they had never seen a PM do that. They worked harder to finish our project. Saving Changes...
