Are you ever too old to learn? Gosh, I hope not. Who are the people you surround yourself with? Why? Are they people who think like you? Do you include people who don’t think like you? I am suggesting there is only so much we can learn from those who are similar. Can you- will you diversify your sphere of influence? Can you be open to learning from those younger, less inexperienced?
I guess my view is a bit tainted. I see A LOT of men in their 50s who are unemployed and feel disgruntled, ripped off, cheated, knocked down, identity lost. Yes, they have issues just like every one else. The problem is, they wear their grumpiness on their sleeves.
So here are some of my suggestions for those who are willing to listen.
Older is Wiser
Being wise is wonderful as long as someone is willing to listen to the wisdom. Shoving it down their throats doesn’t work so well. Provide suggested wisdom only when asked for it and when you do provide it, it is not absolute, it is merely one possible alternative.
Wise Men Say…
But they also listen. The wisest men are superior listeners. They hear in between the lines. They are able to provide insight that might ordinarily be missed.
Wise Men Learn
The wisest of men learn from everyone. They are open to hearing new ideas. I mean, really open. They ask probing questions to understand more deeply. They quest knowledge and new ways of thinking.
Wise Men Don’t Judge
The flip flops, rude comments or lack of manners don’t matter to wise men. They look at the whole person inside and out. They appreciate and perhaps respect the differences in values, backgrounds, education, societal influence. They may even see these as teachable moments or laugh at the naivete of the offender.
Wise Men Give Back
The greatest gift wise men give is their time. They do things for others, selflessly. They help those in need. They give way more than they get.
To all the grumpy old men out there- we see you, we hear you, we even feel a little sorry for you. Be wise!
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
