I’m sure you’ve heard the saying that you can’t teach an ole dog new tricks. Well, don’t believe it, ‘cause it falls in the category of “ole wives tales,” snake-oil medicine and myths!

As I travel around the country talking and working with some of America’s great leaders and organizations, I am well aware of the emphasis and attention they pay to their elder, experienced teammates/employees. These organizations understand the value that these veterans bring to the table and what they mean to the organization. They don’t hesitate to utilize this group’s many talents and years of discovering and knowing what it takes to get the job done.

These organizations also understand that it’s important to go home with the person that brought you to the dance. And in this vein, they continue to train and share knowledge with this group of individuals to the same degree they do with their newer, younger employees.

Coaches/Mentors

Learned organizations and leaders understand that leaders develop leaders and that 90% of leadership skills are learned and acquired from others.

Years ago when I was a newly-commissioned Second Lieutenant just out of VMI, I was assigned to run a basic training company at Ft. Benning, Georgia. I was a green as an unripened banana and was totally lost and overwhelmed. What saved and molded me was an “ole” First Sergeant named Steve Smith. Sgt. Smith had been in the service for 33 years and had been a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. Sure, he didn’t move as quickly as he once did, his memory wasn’t quite as sharp and his energy level not as high, but inside there was a wealth of wit, wisdom and knowledge that he was willing to share. We all have teammates/employees like that who we sometimes take for granted.

The armed services learned years ago to pay attention to their elder statesmen. They have mastered the art of utilizing these talented and experienced people to help develop others.

Commitment

Recent studies indicate that older experienced workers are truly committed to their jobs and to making things happen. Their years of experience have taught them to roll with the punches and not to take themselves too seriously. However, they take their responsibilities seriously and stick to a task until it’s completed. Because of their commitment, they don’t want to miss a day of work.

Attitude

I’ve always felt that age and job performance are not related, unless one has serious health problems. I know many people who are 70 going on 30. Conversely, I know of many who are 30 going on 75! It’s all about your attitude as it will truly determine your altitude.

One of the things that your seasoned workers truly understand is that if you’re coasting, you’re going downhill. You won’t find them coasting as they know that being the best is a lifetime job. They are competitive and always want to be at the top of their game.

Pay Attention

As you evaluate your work force, make sure you provide an equal opportunity for all of your teammates, regardless of their age. Give them the training and tools that they need to perform. The biggest reason that people fail at their jobs is because of their team leader. The leader either doesn’t take time to let the person know what they expect of them or ask them what they need to be successful. We all like to know what we need to do to contribute to the success of the organization.

So remember, teach your old dog new tricks and reward them for their accomplishments. If you do you’ll never have to worry about them “dogging it”!