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Archives for September 2019

Aging Workforce

September 26, 2019 By Tom Mungavan Leave a Comment

Marketing surveys and application forms often have check boxes for age, bracketed by decade, with the oldest bracket being 55+ or 65+ as the oldest. Age 65 and 105 are all in the same age category. I assume the surveys are being created by twenty-somethings and they think anyone over 50 is old.

I remember managing a large group of computer programmer analysts who were mostly in their 20’s and 30’s. Their 30th birthday was celebrated with black balloons and cards containing condolences. I was in my early 40’s at the time and found it humorous. Yet 65 did seem old to me at that time. Looking back from age 65, the 40’s seemed young.

Age Misconceptions

We just celebrated the 100th birthday of our friend, Marjorie Johnson, who is still a popular television and radio guest. She wrote her book “Blue Ribbon Baking” based on winning thousands of Blue Ribbons for her baking. She was a delightful guest on Jay Leno’s show as well as many others. She continues to entertain with her energy, wisdom, and humor.

She exercises 30 minutes every day and has a goal of reaching over age 115 to get into the record books. She started entering baking contests in her 50’s and still won an amazing number of ribbons … and continues to win ribbons at age 100.

Fastest Rate of Growth is Over 75 Years

When you know someone like Marjorie Johnson it helps explain why the over-65 and over-75 age categories are the fastest growing segments of the workplace. There are many reasons, but the numbers are clear. These are people who are on the payroll working for a company.

Fastest growing Segment is Over Age 75

The growth by those who are self-employed is even larger. Many people are driven by wanting to do meaningful work. Others can’t afford to retire at the income level they desire. Many of our clients, who were senior leaders in large companies, looked forward to retirement. After 6 to 18 months they “fail retirement” and want to go back to making a contribution.

Meaningful Work and Flexibility

Turns out that it is not just Millennials who want meaningful work and flexibility. Those are also driving forces for those over the typical retirement age who continue to work. I personally get great personal reward by being able to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. It keeps me engaged.

I admit that when the survey age categories end at 55+ my view is that the companies are not in touch with reality … it is their choice. I hope a few seniors will go to work for a marketing company and expand the age categories for those surveys. Marjorie Johnson would like one age category for age 110+.

No Botox Needed

September 24, 2019 By Carol Keers Leave a Comment

Resting B**** Face?

The term RBF is typically a listening facial expression that infers disgust or anger toward others. Most people are not aware of how they look, or how it impacts others. It has a negative impact which can be career limiting. There are now people promoting the use of Botox to remove the wrinkles the facial expression creates.

Here’s an easier solution. Lighten up the face and remove RBF by slightly lifting up the three key places people look at to determine your mood – the corners of your eyes, mouth and your brow. It makes a difference – without Botox!

Executive presence tip – Carol Keers

Trusting Strangers

September 19, 2019 By Tom Mungavan Leave a Comment

My normal place to park in downtown Minneapolis was full. The alternative is a more expensive valet parking lot nearby. I leave a little extra time in case I need to use valet parking, but it rushed me to be on time.


After the meeting, the automated payment system would not accept the strip on either of my business credit cards. I placed my folio on top of the machine as I pulled out my cash. The attendant had already brought my car to the door. It was a busy place and I appreciated his promptness.

I drove back to my office. As I shut off the car and reached for my folio, I realized it was left on top of the payment system cabinet. The flash of leaving my computer, that contained everything, at that busy location caused my adrenaline to rush to my head. All my data was secure, but it would take weeks to rebuild a new computer and make it fully functional. How do you even reach the parking lot by phone?

My receipt had the name of the lot, but no phone number. A quick Internet search on my phone actually showed a phone number to call the lot. Their response was, “Yes, we found it and have it in the office.” I had that feeling of relief when the adrenaline valve shuts-off in the body. I returned to the parking lot and the folio was again back in hand. I was very appreciative.

I thought of the book I recently read which was “Talking to Strangers” by Malcolm Gladwell. Gladwell talks about how we trust or don’t trust others. He talks about how being trusting of the wrong people causes difficulties, using examples like Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme and many other examples.

Generally, we tend to trust people we think we know and not trust those we do not know. It is trust that allows our society and businesses to function. If we distrusted every transaction, society would break down.

Back to my folio. Why did I fear the loss of my folio? If I had chosen to have confidence that someone would act in a way I would in that situation, I would have had less fear. If I parked often enough in that lot and I knew the people, I would have likely been less afraid of loss.

The truth is that I could trust strangers. I have my folio to prove it. I acknowledge there are limits, but I want to make a different point.

Organizational Impact

What happens when the relationships are within a company; with customers or with vendors? Much of the silo impact in organizations is because of a “we/they” view of other departments. Much of contract management is based on distrust between vendors and buyers. Much of the vulnerability in the marketplace is because customers/prospects do not feel a relationship with the company.

It turns out that people who progress in larger organizations are more likely to network broadly in the organization, so they relate to others in the organization as trustworthy acquaintances. Companies that have formed true partnerships with key vendors have benefited from their expertise, trust, and perspective. Companies that have a relationship with their customers gain a loyalty to the company, and are thus more likely to be given the benefit of the doubt when there are difficulties. They receive more loyalty when there are competitors.

What many people refer to as “soft skills” of turning strangers into acquaintances is a powerful advantage. It also helps reduce the adrenaline hit when something goes wrong — such as my missing folio equivalent. Soft skills have hard benefits.

Sarcasm Sword

September 17, 2019 By Carol Keers Leave a Comment

My client boasted in our first meeting, “Sarcasm is my hallmark. I can be brutal, but I make the point!” His survey data showed it was really hurting him.

Sarcasm is anger pushed through too small a hole. It is like a sword and others do not have a shield. Next time you have the perfect sarcastic statement, ask yourself, “Does this need to be said by me right now?” Your career will thank you for it.

Executive Presence tip – Carol Keers

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