Jul/091
Age Racism in Choosing the Right Person
Overview
From time to time I see and hear about age racism when leaders need to select between people. I could almost say I hate people who do this because this way they destroy so many good things for the organization and for the people who work for them… well people=organization, right? Why don’t some leaders get this fact?
The Classic Example
You don’t get the position because you are too young. Because your age makes the people think you are not experienced. In reality you could be teaching the one older than you.. and in the end you probably will and he gets all the credit. People are different, no one can define that kind of a age limit, and if someone does, that is bullshit!
How To Do It
What you need to understand is that the way to really choose between people is to look at their references, and no, not just the name at which company they did work at. You need to look more deeper, in to what they really did. Another good addition would be to add a test. When I choose people for different positions I compare their references and try to find out how they have improved themselves during the last year. If there is two people to choose from: one with not so much work experience, but a lot of talent and improving. And, one with loads of work experience, but nothing to show he has improved. I would choose the first one, because he is still improving and I can help him to keep it up.
People who think they have learned everything are not good for any company, they do not drive the company forwards, the world is changing all the time and you need to keep up with it or your organization cannot take it when does change. These people, are usually those who use age racism, why? Because they want to get people similar like them to work for them, people who don’t challenge the status quo, e.g. “I do not need any young guys running around here and asking questions. I need people who do things.”. Those young guys running around will probably get you through the change, why? Because they challenge you to change.
In reality you of course think about if the selected one would fit in to the team and other things. But, you should not solely base your selection on one thing like age, culture or anything like that. Be smart and think about what is good for your organization, not only what is good for you – there is a big difference. Get ouf of your comfort zone.
