tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5648820059035540727.post9135402690829266465..comments2024-02-22T00:08:21.406-08:00Comments on Leading Light: Strong ShouldersKateGLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09016771214433267354noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5648820059035540727.post-35187938931079458362012-05-21T23:27:33.164-07:002012-05-21T23:27:33.164-07:00I agree that it is shocking that many Western busi...I agree that it is shocking that many Western businesses see people aged 50 and over as being near the end of their use and hence no longer appropriate to develop. I fear that it's not just an issue for personal growth and learning for employees, this attitude also results in discrimination against older candidates during recruitment. <br /><br />I once persuaded Mike, a friend of mine whom I encouraged to change career into a different industry in his late 40's, to give a talk at the Recruitment Society in London on this subject. In his 50's he became a very successful senior leader in a different sphere. He relished the opportunity to develop and enhance himself, others and the business. The ability to grow lies within and can happen at any time, regardless of age, provided that others don't stamp on its tender shoots. <br /><br />I lived in Asia for a while and the attitude if different there. My father is in his 80's and is still working as a highly respected lawyer in Hong Kong. He is valued for his ability to brings knowledge and experience to resolve matters. When the economy took a nosedive in 2007, it was noticeable that the attitude changed slightly in Western businesses as experience and insight suddenly increased in value - many of the younger managers and employees (who had been vaunted as the rising stars and future of the business) had never experienced difficult financial times. The wise ones sought out the people with experience and their collaboration produced more considered and well-rounded approaches as well as great learning for both parties.KateGLhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09016771214433267354noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5648820059035540727.post-21661637447873643022012-05-21T14:32:33.318-07:002012-05-21T14:32:33.318-07:00Kate, I enjoyed the scope and range of your post. ...Kate, I enjoyed the scope and range of your post. <br /><br />I recently attended a discussion on career development where a member of the audience related how a colleague told her that, being over 50, she should forget about career development and just focus on onto holding her job. Pretty shocking, but I wonder if this type of attitude is common?<br /><br />In addition to continuing to develop in other ways, your post highlights the important role that people with experience have in mentoring and coaching others. Do you think this is recognised in organisations at the moment?<br /><br />It's 90 years since the civil war in Ireland (where I'm writing from), so as you mention still within living memory. Let's hope we don't go there again!<br /><br />JohnAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com