May the Force Always Be with You

In the cycle of life, we inevitably round the corner into the era of an “aging” workforce, affecting companies small and large, and employees at every level of their careers. So, whatever role you play at whichever stage of your career, this is a history lesson for here and now.

Lesson 1: People Retire, Talent Thrives

With experienced employees reaching retirement, companies lose rich resources from their labor pool; yet, companies can still tap that talent. Many retirees wish to spend time with colleagues and enjoy the stimulation of work. Consider the flexibility (for you and your employees) of consulting. Retirees are the perfect pinch-hitters for projects that need extra person-power. This pool of experience is a perfect resource for varying demand.

If you’re entering retirement, yet wish to keep a toe in the workforce, offer your skills as a consultant. For employees still circling the water cooler, keeping in touch with exiting colleagues is a great way to have an experienced comrade to whom you can turn for knowledgeable advice.

Lesson 2: Build Bridges

Companies and individuals can benefit from mentorship bonds within the organization or the community. The mentor-mentee relationship promotes understanding and leads to mutual investment in success. If your company doesn’t have a mentorship program, reach out and set up your own network. Select a teacher if you are just beginning, or choose a protégé if you are more tenured.

Throughout your career journey, it is wise to learn from those who have blazed the path before, even as you make your own mark. Be respectful and mindful of your personal motivations. Open your mind to the possibility that, even though you may think you “know it all,” there are still some treasures to be found with more experienced colleagues.

Lesson 3: Stay In Touch

No matter what stage you’re at in your career, stay current with trends, innovations, and technology. Embracing new ways of doing things keeps talent fresh. Whether you’re just entering the workforce or if you’re ready to retire, never leave “learning” behind.

Companies can encourage employee education in many creative ways, one of the most efficient being on-site seminars. Employees can inspire educational programs by working with HR or launching “brown bag” lunch events. Here is an opportunity to enlist senior staff members to give presentations in order to share their expertise. At the same time, newbies can find presentation experience by researching and lecturing about a topic. Sharpen the pencil, the wit, and the mind while you feed the soul of an ever-wiser organization.

Lesson 4: While Talent is Tops, Character Commands

At any age, kindness, wisdom, honesty, loyalty, and perseverance combined with ability will be the meter of our life’s work. As the world’s children learn the pillars of character at home and at school, adults should further develop and encourage mindfulness of virtue – especially as ethics are challenged in an increasingly competitive world.

Companies can encourage truthfulness, respect, fairness, caring, responsibility, citizenship, and other virtues through business practices, policies, and by annually rewarding such behavior and the person who personifies character throughout the course of business. Employees can bring these qualities to every facet of their lives. Living well can bring prosperity to all of us.

Tamara Parisio is a freelance writer and entrepreneur. With a blended perspective from Journalism, Advertising, Toys, Giftware, Entertainment, and Beauty, to family life and personal interests, Tamara reflects upon her experiences to provide hope-filled musings on beauty and wellness, business and living for people of all ages. Tamara is the founder of SandDollar Cosmetics Inc. Visit her at TamaraParisio.com, Stay-In-Touch.org, SandDollarCosmetics.com, SandDollar Concepts, and LiveInPeace.info.