I just read the strangest news article. A piece this week in the Wall Street Journal spoke about companies who rely on apps for young people who find themselves thrust into management positions — when they aren’t ready to be placed into management positions. With today’s very tight labor market, I suppose I can understand that — to a point.

This image shows Mark Phillips, editor and publisher of Aftermarket Intel, standing next to a car.
Mark Phillips, editor and publisher of Aftermarket Intel.

But it begs the question: Why are people who are not ready for management positions being put into them in the first place? Some companies are relying on apps to prod and remind young leaders when they should be doing something, whether it’s praising employees or following up with them on tasks or reminding them to do a fundamental part of their job. It’s certainly a unique solution to an apparent growing problem. 

It made me immediately think of one place where I don’t see this problem: our industry. 

The members of YANG at a recent meeting. Numerous young people are seen posing for a photograph inside a pub.
The members of YANG at a recent meeting.

That’s the genius behind the idea of YANG, the Young Auto Care Network Group. It’s a group for under-40 auto care professionals that helps them network and be in direct and ongoing contact with our industry’s leaders. Members of YANG are getting the kind of lessons in leadership that other industries apparently are only getting — and marginally — through apps on their phones. 

If you haven’t heard of YANG before, which is a community of the Auto Care Association, go here and check it out. 

Other industries have a lot to learn from ours. 

For the latest news and information on the global automotive aftermarket industry, visit https://aftermarketintel.com.

Join your colleagues in the global automotive aftermarket. Get the Aftermarket Intel Briefing, edited by Mark Phillips, AAP.

* indicates required