As leaders and thinkers age, they don’t lose their creativity as much as they lose their energy and desire to compete. Simply put, they do not take as many shots on goal. The latest research confirms our productivity declines with age not because we have lost mental power, but rather because we attempt to explore new ideas less often.
Great post. One thing, I have noticed is, physically, the young folks can usually kick our butts. The key difference is disciplined consistency on execution. That, in my experience, can be the edge we grow with experience (as we age and if we're doing things right;).
Agreed. Managers must TRUST their team members. Once this is established, autonomy should be granted (this includes the freedom to experiment with more efficient and/or effective ways to execute;). "The person who does the job is likely to know more about it than the person who supervises...(Drucker. Managing in Turbulent Times)."
Working wisely is part of the creativity! We are physically limited to a point, compared to being a younger version of ourselves, but working smarter with acknowledging limits allows for full productivity in our choosings. :)
My observation is that many younger entrants to the workforce lack the organizational commitment to positively impact productivity, in fact their modus operandi is often "ask not what I can do for my employer, but rather what my employer can do for me". This often leaves the so called less energetic "boomers" to clean-up after and carry the younger employees who enter the business with an "I'm just passing through" mentality.
Appreciated hearing you observation on this, Keith. Length of tenure in a specific organization certainly is shorter now in the last decade that it was in previous decades. Do you think think provides and advantage or disadvantage for the aging working who stays focused on continuing to take shots on goal?
I wouldn't say I'm being less productive but I'm thriving to be more productive as I've grown order. I'm way more cautious then going with the flow as I found it killing my productivity.
I focus on Impact more than productivity. Productivity is important but I weight in impact more than I weight productivity.
Great post. One thing, I have noticed is, physically, the young folks can usually kick our butts. The key difference is disciplined consistency on execution. That, in my experience, can be the edge we grow with experience (as we age and if we're doing things right;).
Thank you for your time.
Sounds like an edge over other aging people more than being an edge over the younger generation.
Not that it’s a competition! 🤪
Yes... provided that discipline consistently includes space to innovate and experiment.
Agreed. Managers must TRUST their team members. Once this is established, autonomy should be granted (this includes the freedom to experiment with more efficient and/or effective ways to execute;). "The person who does the job is likely to know more about it than the person who supervises...(Drucker. Managing in Turbulent Times)."
Working wisely is part of the creativity! We are physically limited to a point, compared to being a younger version of ourselves, but working smarter with acknowledging limits allows for full productivity in our choosings. :)
Great insights. I believe keeping a steady pace is critical as you age!
My observation is that many younger entrants to the workforce lack the organizational commitment to positively impact productivity, in fact their modus operandi is often "ask not what I can do for my employer, but rather what my employer can do for me". This often leaves the so called less energetic "boomers" to clean-up after and carry the younger employees who enter the business with an "I'm just passing through" mentality.
Appreciated hearing you observation on this, Keith. Length of tenure in a specific organization certainly is shorter now in the last decade that it was in previous decades. Do you think think provides and advantage or disadvantage for the aging working who stays focused on continuing to take shots on goal?
This. Very good post.
I wouldn't say I'm being less productive but I'm thriving to be more productive as I've grown order. I'm way more cautious then going with the flow as I found it killing my productivity.
I focus on Impact more than productivity. Productivity is important but I weight in impact more than I weight productivity.
Truly inspiring and insightful. I have been informed on a trend not noticed by so many. Thank you for sharing