Manny grew up in an urban Hispanic neighborhood in New Jersey.
He knew the odds. He knew what it meant to be the oldest in his family, the first one headed to college, trying to get out of a place that didn't always make that easy.
By the time he got to Notre Dame and then into the professional world, he had accomplished something real. And yet — he still questioned whether he belonged.
That's what impostor syndrome does. It follows you right through the door you worked so hard to open.
Manny started at the local division of a large multinational media and entertainment company. That's where he crossed paths with Terry C., a tough veteran of their industry. Smart. Experienced. The kind of person who had seen everything.
Terry had heard about Manny — a young seller, no formal experience, but something worth paying attention to. So Terry made a point to get to know him. At company events, he'd seek Manny out. They talked. And somewhere in those conversations, they found out they had things in common. Terry was an Irish kid from the south side of Chicago. A huge Yankee fan. A devoted Notre Dame fan.
So was Manny.
They hit it off.
When a spot opened on Terry's national team — more responsibility, more exposure, a bigger stage — Terry didn't post the job and hope. He went to Manny directly.
"I want you to come up with me. I think you'll do great."
And when Manny's self-doubt pushed back, Terry pushed back harder.
"I handpicked you," Terry told him. "Unless you think I'm an idiot, you belong here. I'm going to show you what you need to know. Listen to me. Converse with me. Let's interact. Let's exchange ideas and you'll see just how good you can be."
Terry didn't just give Manny the job. He showed him the ropes. He prepared him. He helped him work toward eventually taking over the department.
That's a Warm Demander. High warmth. High expectations. Genuine belief in the person in front of you — and the willingness to say so out loud.
Nearly three in four Gen Z employees struggle with loneliness. Many are waiting for someone to see them the way Terry saw Manny.
They need a leader who will handpick them. And then tell them so.
Leaders,
Think about your team right now.
Is there someone you chose for a reason — but haven't told them why?
This week, tell them. Be specific. "I picked you because..." goes a long way.
And if someone on your team is holding back, ask yourself: have I made it clear that I believe they belong here?
This story is excerpted from Get Gen Z Into the Game, Colleen McFarland's award-winning playbook for leaders who want to bring out the best in their youngest employees.
👉 Find out if you are a warm demander leader. Take the quiz.
