I was conducting a new program yesterday and in one of the sessions a common theme emerged from a number of the groups during an exercise. Ageism. In discussing the issue with a number of participants they firmly held the belief that their organisation discriminated (consciously or unconsiously) against older members of the team.
I have had lots of anecdotal evidence like this but have rarely come across evidentiary support. Well, here it is:
A labour force survey in the Europe demonstrates that older workers do not receive similar levels of training as their younger counterparts. The question is “why?”. Some reasons were given but the category of 21% “Other Reasons” begs further investigation.
I know of a number of people who get called for interviews but regularly miss out on jobs post interview due to being ‘over-qualified’. I speak to a number fo people who claim they have difficulty securing permanency due to their age and have to live from contract to contract if they can get one. Many people complain that they don’t get the opportunity to take up trainng to refresh their skills.
Are we inherently ageist?
How will this come to pass as the workforce and population continues to age?
How can we capture and engage and utilise the expertise and wisdom of our elders (ie people over 45!)
Daniel Pink is brilliant in this exposition of what motivates people. And the graphic facilitation is way cool, too.
So, if we know this stuff, why do we keep sticking to the old paradigms thinking they will work?
We have to get the message out there. Use some of that strategic planning time to look at the proven research and work out how to apply it to our businesses rather than stick with what we think we know (and learned at uni twenty years ago based on what research said fifty years before that!).
I agree with Pink. Obviously, as Herzberg said, remove money as a dissatisfier first. Then, how can we engage people by helping them to satisfy their sense of Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose?
Calling all Regional and Rural people. Here is an outstanding opportunity to apply for a comprehensive and proven Leadership Development program. It’s run over 17 months and is not for the faint-hearted but looks like a brilliant program to enable you to build your leadership skills in ways which will benefit the rural and regional communities of Australia. Get all the info here: http://www.rural-leaders.com.au/ – click on the ad or the ‘Programs’ tab. Hurry – applications close 31 July. Hint – see if you can contact past attendees for tips on applying great way to network as well.
If you’re after something a little more environmental… Community Action Grants are open. They aim to help community groups take action to conserve and protect their natural environment. Proposals are sought from environmental, Indigenous, Landcare, Coastcare and sustainable agriculture community groups for grants of between $5000 and $20 000 (GST exclusive) to take action to help protect and conserve Australia’s environment. What can the grant achieve? Local activities such as tree planting, re-vegetation, dune rehabilitation, field days, improving land management practices, and recording and use of traditional ecological knowledge. For full details see: http://www.nrm.gov.au/cag/index.html. Closes 31 August.
Telecross volunteers needed for Dubbo. A potentially life saving Red Cross service, Telecross provides a daily phone-call to check on the well-being and safety of elderly people living alone. Regional Community Services Coordinator, Kerry Palmer says “The daily phone call from Telecross helps provide peace of mind to older people and their families. It breaks down the sense of isolation many elderly people feel and allows them to maintain their independence for as long as possible. The service is supported by volunteers who undertake to make one or two brief calls to clients between 8.00 and 9.00am each morning. Easy! If the client has not responded to the calls after two attempts, volunteers are trained to call staff at the Telecross office who then respond with a standard procedure. Volunteers are the backbone of all the services we deliver and without their commitment and support much of our work would not be possible”
What: Telecross Orientation and Training Session
When: Friday 16th July, 2010
Where: CWA Rooms, Dubbo
Bookings: Phone 6884 6061 or 1300 883 463
These days, many of us are interacting on an international level. Sometimes that can provide challenges when the standard English translation dictionary doesn’t have an equivalent for something like ‘learning curve’.
Problem now solved!
Here is a specific translator for Human Resources and Payroll terms. It can be a godsend for those who are struggling to make sense of converting English.
You can even download the lexicon by alphabet letter if you need a physical reference at hand and can’t access the internet – may be handy to take on your next overseas jaunt.
http://www.lexicon.adp.com/
