Boomers With The Leadership Edge
It has been eight years since I began writing my Retirement Lifestyle Strategies newsletter. The challenge for anyone writing a monthly newsletter is keeping it fresh, timely, relevant and without repetition. To accomplish this, I try to read as many new books on retirement as possible, attend webinars, and listen to TED talks for related subjects. I subscribe to and read magazines like AARP, Psychology Today, and Where To Retire. I also try to keep current on general business, human resources, and employment trends that might have a bearing on retirement. As you know, I often recommend other retirement articles and books to help expand your knowledge around this transition. I am ever mindful of that old saying, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” I never use that content without permission or unless I give the author credit before I put it into my own words and create my own independent ideas.
Once in a while I come across an article that appears at first glance to have little to do with retirement. If the article is good, I like to present the author’s ideas as originally as I can, giving him or her full credit for their work. I then try to link the subject matter to retirement. An article that caught my eye most recently was on leadership and I want to share the author’s ideas with you and connect this information to retirement.
What Makes A Leader?
The article I thought was very timely for us as a generation was written by Dr. Travis Bradberry, award-winning co-author of the best-selling book Emotional Intelligence 2.0. He wrote a provocative article entitled “Are You a Leader or a Follower?” I have been reading Bradberry’s articles for years and have always liked his work. In this article, he talks about the qualities of a leader. His definition of leadership is: The art of persuasion — the act of motivating people to do more than they ever thought possible in pursuit of a greater good. He says that “leadership is about social influence, not personal power.” It’s his belief that leaders want to make the world a better place and are willing to stretch into unknown places and take risks to make that happen. If you want to find meaning and purpose in your retirement, you need to consider social influence as a way to give back to your community.
As I read through the characteristics that Bradberry highlighted, I thought about how each of these attributes will make an impact on our retirement career mindset. After all, just because you aren’t working anymore doesn’t mean you can’t maintain your leadership skills in this next important stage of life.
“Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It’s about one life influencing another.” John C Maxwell
I’d like you to reflect on a few of the leadership qualities identified by Bradberry. Whether or not you see yourself as a leader, you might still see a reflection of yourself in some of the following descriptions. These characteristics are important as you strive to stay engaged and relevant in today’s world through personal growth.
Qualities Of A Leader
Going above and beyond what is required. You bring your very best efforts to a particular situation. You don’t settle for the minimum because your proactive mindset propels you beyond what you think is necessary.
Will you find a cause in your retirement career that you passionately believe in and support? Remember, just because you’re retired doesn’t mean that there isn’t more for you to accomplish in your life.
Staying confident and optimistic. Do you believe in yourself and your ability to team with others to make things happen? When you face challenges, do you keep a positive attitude that propels you forward, even when the going gets tough?
In retirement, you will meet people who became victims of negativity and age-related woes, those who have lost confidence because they no longer have an impressive job title. Real leaders don’t need a job title to feel good about themselves. They only need something outside of themselves they can focus on. My advice to you would be to find a group you can join that has a “can do” attitude.
Being open to change. So often we get stuck in the same old ways of doing things. You might think that because you’ve always done it this way and it’s worked, why change? This attitude is like moving through life with blinders on. Leaders see things changing around them and stay open to new possibilities so they can continue to move forward in their lives and whatever work they think is important.
Leaders go into retirement well aware that their life circumstances, technology, and various losses will require them to change. Change happens to all of us whether we like it or not. Be ready to go with the flow and model for future generations how to stay engaged, current, and relevant in your retirement career.
Paying attention to your motivations. Leaders are driven by intrinsic not extrinsic gratification. They pursue a goal because they know that they are making a contribution to their community for the good of the whole.
To be a leader in your retirement, you’ll need to seek opportunities to give back, volunteer, or create a business to fulfill a societal need. You’ll need to focus without distractions because your goal or project is so compelling. You need to have something that’s going to get you out of bed each morning feeling enthusiastic about the day.
Being a lifelong learner. Leaders know that they don’t have all of the answers. They seek understanding, guidance, and expertise when they know they need it. They are more credible in the process and are better able to lead.
Because your retirement will give you 20-30 more years of productive time, you will need to learn as much as you can about this next chapter of your life as soon as possible. Education is the way to a successful transition, especially at this life stage since we have so few positive role models or roadmaps to guide us. Learning as much as you can about yourself and designing your own plan for what you want your retirement to look like are essential for success.
“Identify In” As A Leader
As I read through this list of characteristics, I had a personal realization. Because I like being a team player, I have always considered myself a follower, not a leader. I never felt compelled to take charge or organize people unless no one else takes the lead.
Based on the criteria articulated by Bradberry, it turns out I am more of a leader than a follower. Who knew? This is just another learning experience on my own journey of self-discovery. I wonder how many of you might find yourself having a similar reaction. Many of us who are involved in retirement issues talk about the wisdom our generation has gained over the years. Use that wisdom and experience to be the best leader for yourself and others as you can during these bonus years of life.
Even if you are totally comfortable being a follower, this is the one time in your life where you need to step up your game. When you were working, you always had someone who was telling you what to do. Now, there is no one but you! You are your own boss. To have a happy and successful retirement, you have to assume the leadership role so you become the entrepreneur of your retirement career!
Be a leader as you make the very best of the rest of your life!
Dee
Dee Cascio
Author, speaker, Licensed Psychotherapist, Certified Life Coach, Retirement Lifestyle/ReCareer Coach, and Life and Work Transitions Strategies Coach.
The Life and Work Transitions Community
You’ve joined a great group — people who plan to make successful transitions in life and work. May you be inspired to use your strengths and skills to grow in this season and may each transition be your best ever.
Want more help for your life and work transitions?
Check out the Life and Work Transitions Strategies blog
Ready To Retire? Successful Retirement Planning To Make The Best Of The Rest Of Your Life
