When Snapchat Informs Me My 18-Year-Old Has Become ‘The Boss’: Reflections from a Proud (and Red) Father

Today, I got a message on Snapchat from my 18-year-old son, Jacob, sharing his latest update: he’s now the “Charge Hand” at his workplace. For those not familiar with food processing lingo, a Charge Hand is essentially a team leader — or, as Jacob calls it, the “people boss.” And, according to him, it’s easy peasy.

Now, as his father — and a classic Red in the DISC / DISA model — my immediate reaction was to steer him toward leading rather than just managing. I had to remind him: managing is about handling tasks and keeping the wheels turning, but leading is about setting the pace, inspiring others, and driving the team toward a vision.

And Jacob? He’s got the potential to do just that. As a Yellow, he’s every bit the Influencer — full of charisma, energy, and the kind of personality that makes people feel instantly at ease. He’s the guy who’d bring out the best in everyone, whether he’s leading a team on the job or cracking everyone up at family gatherings.

Why Jacob Thinks Being a People Boss is ‘Easy Peasy’

Confidence and Charisma: Jacob’s confidence and people skills are his superpowers. He’s wired to connect and energise, the type who can bring people together without breaking a sweat. To him, managing people isn’t about enforcing rules; it’s about building relationships, which comes naturally.

Generation Yellow (aka the Snapchat Generation): Erikson’s got a point when he calls them “labour-saving, narcissistic, and entitled” in his TEDx Talk. But they’re also incredibly adaptable and skilled at making things happen quickly, whether it’s snapping a picture or rallying a team. To them, leadership is more about influence than authority — and Jacob is a natural.

The ‘Easy Peasy’ Mindset: For Jacob, leading is about keeping the vibe right, and he’s got that down to an art. He believes it’s easy because he approaches it with a Yellow’s sense of optimism and energy. His positive outlook is half the battle, as that belief can be downright infectious.

So here’s to Jacob, an incredible young man who’s already learning that leadership isn’t just about tasks — it’s about lifting others and moving forward together. And as his Red father, I couldn’t be prouder. Sometimes, a nudge in the right direction and a little Snapchat wisdom are all we need.

Cheers to the next generation of “people bosses”!