Focused on Risk

For the last 7 years I’ve had the privilege of working with some amazing people. They are full of knowledge and experience that only years dedicated to a profession can bring. The down side is that the time to get to work with these fine people is limited because they have reached or are about to reach retirement age.

This is absolutely amazing for them because now they get to relax and focus on themselves, their passions and hobbies. They get to spend time with their children, grand children and great grand children. The years of service to the work force and industries are paying off for them. However us back in the fight, struggle as we are loosing their wisdom of business and comradery.

We are sad for them leaving but happy that they get to have this opportunity of freedom. No more pressed shirts or ties or business dress suits. No more phone calls from annoyed clients or pesky vendors trying to sell them something they probably don’t need. No more memo’s or late evenings chained to the desk trying to beat or meet a deadline.

But then I think about how I’ll miss out on anecdotes and stories of their past. Whether it be personal or business related, their experiences and knowledge has always been learning lessons. I’m definitely starting to regret not investing more time tapping into these individuals natural resources. How can you deny that learning from not only someone’s mistakes in life but also their successes.

In our company we have a perpetuation plan implemented in order to carry on into the future and be just as successful. The veterans and retirement aged employees are a tremendous asset to that philosophy. They teach us how things used to be in the business and life and how things have changed. They teach us how they’ve had to adapt to changes in business, the economy, the social aspect of life, etc. And if it’s one thing we’ve learned is that history repeats it’s self almost guaranteed.

Another plus to the perpetuation plan is that as we move up and learn and this allows us to teach younger individuals and pass on our knowledge and experience as we grow into our own careers.

If it’s one thing I can say is that if you have well seasoned employees, get to know them. Talk to them and find out where they’ve been in life. find out how they’ve made it through the years that you are getting ready to embark on. I personally have just started on my career and I’m finding it very difficult to get a focus and plan in order to make it successful and prosperous. I know that I can go to any of our veterans and ask them “Hey, how would you handle this?” and they would have the advice I could use to make the right decisions.

To the people that are leaving, I’m sad that you are leaving but still very excited for you. I have to say, Happy Retirement Mr. Ed Brooks and thank you very much.