If you’re working to strengthen your leadership skills then everyday allocate time to read FastCompany. They never fail to provide productive boosts of information. Today’s focus, the boomer generation, was no exception. I loved their Leadership Now article, Marketers, These Eye-Popping Stats Will Make You Stop Chasing Youth, Start Courting Boomers.
Boomers Are Adventurous.
That was one of the five reasons to connect with Boomers. Right on. Boomers “practically invented road trips, fitness running, backpacking in exotic locales, ecotourism, adrenaline sports.” Absolutely.
Case in point. This morning this 52-year old Ironman rode 40+ miles along the beautiful pacific coast. Who kept passing me? Grey haired men and women, clearly older and stronger than myself. Their jersey’s proclaimed alliances to USC, sports cars and ecotravel. Each one of them loved the ride, except for the gal who told everyone she needed coffee and demanded a Starbucks break on Main.
The take away: If you’re a business leader needing new clients or employees embrace the 40, 50 or 60+ generation. Most don’t sit in rocking chairs playing bingo. They’ve endured, know the concept of patience, and can adapt quickly – just like the 60 year old cyclist, “Mr. USC”. He crossed traffic and avoided a black truck faster than a cheetah chasing dinner. His move was bold, and I was proud to follow him up the coast … until I was tired of dragging behind a Trojan (smile) and decided to take the lead. On your left.