This blog is about an important business topic. It’s just going to take me a moment to get to it, so stay with me.
Digression 1
Most of my blogs are the result of two or three clients or colleagues mentioning a topic. I figure if two or three are interested, probably more are. In this case, far more than three examples come to mind.
Digression 2
My grandson and I were talking about the concept of life being made up of three groups of 30 years. Now, we can’t assume that we will be so fortunate to live 90 years. But that’s a pretty normal age for a person who lives a full life. Daniel Pink, in his book When—The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing, which I’ve reviewed, has a chapter on this. My grandson is in the first 30. At nine, he’s got almost his whole life before him. I’m in the third 30. The end is out there a way (I hope) but I can see it. Time to prune back the aspirations to what is really important. There is some urgency. This blog is about…
The Middle 30
For those between 30 and 60, the end isn’t in sight yet. There isn’t that urgency. But many are on a path to that last third of their life and complacency now isn’t in their best interests. Some examples:
Example 1
I see people in the 30s, 40s and 50s who have been at a company for too long. They’re comfortable and complacent. Where they want to go isn’t going to happen at their current pace but it is too risky and too hard to change.
Example 2
I see people working for someone, helping build a business of value. The owner will sell someday, make a lot of money and promises to “take care of the people who helped me get here.” But will they? And if they don’t and you’ve run out of time, what then?
Example 3
A son or daughter works in the family business, maybe they’re even a minority owner. They’re frustrated and ready to take over if mom/dad will just step aside. The child isn’t getting any younger but the parent can’t seem to let go. Eventually, the child runs out of time, patience or both. (I’ve seen variations on this theme far too many times.)
What To Do?
That’s the hard question. But I think in every case the party would be better off controlling their own destiny. Inertia and complacency are the enemies here.
In Example 1, change companies to progress faster in your career, even though this has risks. In Example 2, get it in writing or leave. Find someone who will put it in writing or start your own thing. In Example 3, have a heart-to-heart with your parent. Set a deadline and stick to it. Leave and start your own business while you’ve still got time. Be brave; you can do it.
If you wait until the third 30, it’s too late to make a big career progression or start a new enterprise from scratch. Don’t look back and think of what might have been.
And if You’re the Owner
What if you’re the owner and have some key employees you intend to “take care of” but haven’t committed that intention to writing? I’d suggest you formalize your intentions. This is the hottest job market I’ve ever seen and you are at risk of losing key people. Lock them down with some “golden handcuffs.”
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