Honoring the Wisdom of Our Senior Employees

Though statistics vary, a large portion of our workforce will retire in the coming three to five years. Some say it’s up to 40%. A much smaller work force follows. While this affects each of us differently, one consistency remains. Many of our wisest, most experienced, and valued senior employees in leadership roles will soon be unavailable on a day-to-day basis. Decisions and direction that we give little thought to today will not be available to us. I hear this often: "I never stopped to think of all that he did. He made it look so easy." In their hearts, our retiring leaders mean it when they say "I’ll be here for you whenever you need me." Yet experience proves that these spirited individuals will use the same brilliance that made them succeed in the first place to create a new life of freedom and adventure.

There’s no time better than the present to capture their wisdom. Sure, you may have had disagreements with them, you may not have made the same choices they made or given up what they gave up, but their depth of knowledge and perspective surpasses anything you will find in a book. These leaders and high achievers have specific experience in your field, with your market, clients, customers, products and services. They’ve seen the trends and lived through up and down markets. All the while they’ve raised children, strive to find balance, contributed to your community and learned from their mistakes.

What prevents us from benefiting from their wisdom?

Ego: "I want to do it my way, create a new path! I know I can do it better."
Humility: "Why would he make time for me? He’s a busy, busy man."
Ignorance: "I have nothing to learn from her; things are different now."

You needn’t emulate these insightful individuals - just learn from their breadth of knowledge and experience. Think of what you might learn from them. Write down three to five questions. Be patient and specific in requesting a meeting. State what you wish to accomplish and how much time you desire. For example, can your interview take place over the phone or in person? If it’s going to be in-person, do they prefer that you come to their office or meet at a convenient location? If you set a time line, stick to it. Fifteen minute meetings can easily slip into 30-minute conversations. While this may be enjoyable for you, it may leave a sense of lack of respect with the other individual who will have been forced to cut you off.

There is so much wisdom available to you today that simply may not be there tomorrow when your wise, senior employees/leaders retire. Make it a week to expand your concept of what is available to you -and then, act upon it. Think also where you might share your wisdom with others. Have a great week and enjoy your discoveries.