When I’m not piloting a project, I am an avid gardener and it’s the season for one of my favorites, okra. When okra is in full harvest, you have to pick it every day. Elsewise, it will get big and too hard to eat. Normally when this happens, I just pull off the large pod and throw it on the ground. A waste. Can’t eat it. But if you open up that too big, too hard, not good to eat pod of okra, you will find it full of seeds, which when planted in the next season, will bring forth another harvest of okra! Don’t be so quick to throw away or discount the senior, experienced professionals in your organization or on the market. They still have an abundance of seeds which when planted with your more youthful team members will bring forth an abundant harvest. There is such a wealth of talent, experience and wisdom sitting at home that organizations are missing out on. Don't sleep on Baby Boomers! They have a wealth of knowledge, leadership and wisdom, are staying active, continuously learning and would love to help build your organization even stronger. Baby Boomers are not your "30 and done" workers. They love staying engaged and still have a lot to offer. I learn something from every conversation, every engagement, every interaction.
Be creative. Try different employment or consulting models. Take advantage of this talent!
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