The Young Guns

Good morning! Have you had your coffee yet? Got a quick post for today... Back in the 1980's, when the oil business crashed,  young people were not entering the field as prevalently as they are today.  In the last 15 years or so, with the rise of oil prices, there has also come a rise in the interest of the industry.  This rise has brought masses of young people back into the industry.  What you are left with is two large age groups on opposite ends of the spectrum.  This phenomenon is known as the "Great Crew Change" in the oil & gas industry.  You find young college graduates taking roles that require more responsibility and in some instances, managing individuals who have been in the oil & gas industry for over 40 years. 

My goal with this post is to hopefully provide some incite into my experiences with these situations.  These incites are not strictly limited to that of the energy sector.  This scenario can be played out over several industries.  As well, my hope is to not offend anyone who is currently managed by someone younger than they are, but to hopefully provide some tips from my experiences that might help the group work better as a team. 

I found that it is best to not get too big for your britches.  I would advise to not come straight out of college with a CEO complex.  You have to earn your stripes, and it takes time.  I think it's common for Generation Y (Birth dates from 1980 to 2000) to feel entitled to have their opinions heard and to get their way.  Allow your team time to get accustomed to your leadership-just understand the situation.  So, my first piece of advice would be to understand the situation. 

Mt. Taranaki, New Zealand.  Photo was taken from the drilling rig. 

It goes back to the Golden Rule.  Do unto others, as you would like done unto you (I may have butchered that).  Basically just put yourself in that person's shoes.  How would you feel if someone 30 years younger than you was "technically" your boss?  I found the best way to mitigate this animosity is just to be positive and upbeat.  The goal is to build respect with people and establish your credibility.  Walking into the office the first year swinging a heavy stick is not going to get you very far, or at least I've found that it won't.  There will come a time for you to shine, but recognize when that time is.  Just be attentive to the situation.  You can't build Rome in a day, and you will definitely need the help of others to do so!   

Second, some of the best qualities any leader can have, young or old, is to be a good listener and to be a good observer.  Don't be afraid to ask questions! It's not showing weakness by doing so.  It's okay for the leader to not have all the answers.  I seek guidance on a daily basis from people I manage that have 40 years of drilling experience under their belts.  Who am I to tell them what I think is wrong when we're having problems? I mean I still do, because I feel it's always important to voice your opinions.  People don't hire you to be a "Yes Man."  However, it's all in the way you go about it.  Don't get too caught up in your plan.  My second piece of advice would be to seek council from the experienced, even if you manage them.  You're all on the same team.  This is especially true in the Oil & Gas Industry where you are dealing with millions of dollars, as well as people's lives, so I would much rather see what a person with experience thinks than go with my own intuition, right?  We have a saying at my office that was started by my boss, and it simply goes.. "Go Team."  I think it helps us remember that we're all on a team.  We don't necessarily say, "okay he is the boss, whatever he says goes."  It's a collaborative effort in decision making.  And then... after much deliberation if we still can't reach a verdict, then the leader makes the final call.   

I hope this post provided some good incite! Like I've said before, this is just what I've found has worked for me.  There might be some other methodologies out there.  The main things are be aware of the situation and don't be afraid to ask for help.  You're all on the same team.  I encourage you to try it out if you're experiencing this situation. 

Have a great rest of the day!

 

-Bormann