It is good that this topic is now raising its golden grey head above the parapet. For too long our society has chosen to laud the young and dismiss the over 50s as terrible 'has beens', and without a doubt,some are!
Having just spent 4 weeks in South Africa of unutterable indulgence and indeed indolence, I am now absolutely certain that I couldn’t do the endless rounds of nothingness for the rest of my life. At 57 I realise I have at least another 15 - 20 years of energy, ideas, enthusiasm and sheer brilliance which should continue to put to good use for the good of my clients and their businesses.
However, we all have to shift our attitudes to the concept of employing and being served by people over a certain age. I think age should not be the difference, rather the attitude and competence of the individual whilst realising that their physical being will be key. We only invented retirement ages from heavy physical work, and now that we all live to ripe old ages it really is an outmoded concept that should be swept away.
Critical to all this though, is how Partners and managers will tackle those who are not up to the job: that will be a huge challenge for those who dislike difficult conversations. So when I walk into the office, shuffling, dribbling and talking gibberish: do tell me; (hope you don’t think it has started from this comment!)
So firms need to start developing strategies to prepare for these changes and manage expectations starting in 2010. If you are already developing these – do share them as we are building ideas on best practice.