Marc Haine got promoted to assistant manager at 19 and felt validated at first, then realized the job demanded skills he didn't have. He describes the gap between waitstaff work and management.
I have to tell you that I was thrilled to death that at the tender age of 19, I was promoted to the role of assistant manager in a restaurant that I was working in. I mean thrilled, beyond thrilled. I mean, all of a sudden, I got the major recognition that all my hard work for the last 18 months was paying off. My committed energy, my attention to detail, and my performance were all rewarded when my store manager Steve came to me and said, Marc, I've noticed everything you've been doing. I'd love for you to take on the assistant manager position and get everyone up to your standards. If I could have done the Snoopy dance, I would have. I felt what I did mattered. That is until I got into my new role. All of a sudden, I felt like I was out on a limb. The skills that led me to my promotion were nothing in my new role.
