Anatomy of a Young Boss: The Makings of a Leader

• (Images: Thinkstock)

As part of our Young Boss series, where we give insights and resources for budding and experienced business leaders aged 35 and under, we dissect the inner workings of a young boss to highlight just what makes them tick. From head to toe, here are elements of a young boss and how to strengthen the key components for business and professional success. 

THE BRAIN: Innovation and Ingenuity

• Young bosses often have ideas and create concepts that are either outside of the box or improve on an already existing concept. Many also capitalize on their youth by tapping into the pulse of their peers, studying trends and market needs, keeping up with the fast pace of today’s technologically advanced world, and holding a foundation of basic knowledge in a chosen field.
• To nurture this: Don’t be caught dead without the most efficient tech tools. Know and engage your market in order to tighten up an aptitude of spotting the next big thing. Stay abreast of the latest trends and what’s going on in the everyday world. Keep technical skills up to par with the proper training or education, whether it’s via seminars/courses/shadowing/hands-on. Collaborate with other thought leaders to gain different perspectives. Take it from Jamail Larkins, 26, CEO of Larkins Enterprises and Ascension Aircraft: “Every single time you get the chance to meet someone, see if there’s anything you can pick up and learn and apply to your life or your business.”

THE EYES: Vision and Foresight

• Vivid imagination. Strong tenacity. No boundaries. All of these factors play a part in a young boss’ day-to-day vision. The idea that one is “too young” or “too fresh” to embark on revolutioniz
  ing an industry, heading a major project or spearheading a movement is a farce. They move with purpose and plan accordingly
  .
• To nurture this: Learn from those before you by knowing who is already in the game and successful. Be open to ideas and thoughts of others that could contribute to the overall success. Be in tune with your own inner confidence and power that guides you to make your dreams a reality. Glenn Lamont McMillan, 29, joined Wall Street at a very young age and saw the benefit of a great network of financial services professionals that led him to become one of the youngest directors at Deutshce Bank, managing a more than $3 billion portfolio of seven- and 10-year U.S. Treasury Bonds. 

THE HEART: Passion and Motivation

• Behind any successful venture is a connection to what is being offered for profit. Great entrepreneurs often tout a “calling” or pursue businesses that capitalize on things they are passionate about, whether it’s fashion, technology, news, politics, music, or making things better in the world. They often take what they’re good at and capitalize on it, whether it’s connecting people with things or sealing a deal via a knack for persuasion and networking. For example, 26-year- old Kimberly Wiley took her passion for eco-friendly products and cosmetics to start FSL Cosmetics and has taken her line straight to New York Fashion Week.

• To nurture this: Know distinctly what your strengths and weaknesses are and build on the strengths. Anything that does not support your passion, get rid of it. If you’re not 100% into the concept, deal, idea or next step, reevaluate why you’re doing it and whether it’s good for your brand. Find other ways to expand what you offer to the world in a way that upholds the mission of your company or your vision of why you do what you do. Surround yourself with or build a team that is just as passionate about the mission as you are and can play a role in making it happen in the most effective–and profitable–way possible.

THE HANDS/FEET: Hard Work and Active Involvement

• It’s sometimes impossible to have a physical hand in every aspect of a business, but many young bosses have a hands-on approach to their ventures. They do the work. Early mornings and late nights are often not foreign to them. Some even dabble in every corner of the business, from marketing to customer service to Website updating. Young entrepreneur Angela Bentonjuggles managing her brainchild, Black Web 2.0, with consultant work, speaking engagements, and other branding opportunities.

• To nurture this: Strive to be mentally and physically fit to keep up with the pace. Know when to delegate so you won’t get burned out too quickly. Find a work-life balance that fits the way you do business. Marketing CEO Tina Wells incorporates a mandatory lunch break and reserves weekends for leisure, not work.