A growing number of people feel like an old carton of milk, with an expiration date stamped on their wrinkled foreheads. One paradox of our time is that Baby Boomers enjoy better health than ever, remain young and stay in the workplace longer, but feel less and less relevant. They worry, justifiably, that bosses or potential employers may see their age more as liability than asset. Especially in the tech industry.
I Joined Airbnb at 52, and Here’s What I Learned About Age, Wisdom, and the Tech Industry
The best young founders know they need mentors.
April 18, 2017
Summary.
Older workers worry, justifiably, that bosses or potential employers may see their age as more liability than asset. Especially in the tech industry. In a sector that’s become as famous for toxic company cultures as innovation, and as well-known for human-resource headaches as hoodie-wearing CEOs, a little of the mellowness and wisdom that comes with age might be just what’s needed. When hospitality entrepreneur Chip Conley joined Airbnb, he was reporting to a CEO who was 21 years younger than he was, and he’d never heard tech industry jargon like ”shipping product” before. His best tactic was to reconceive of his bewilderment as curiosity, and give free rein to it. He asked a lot of questions, and even though it made him feel like an intern at times, his outsider’s perspective helped the company identify blind spots. He also acted as a mentor for many younger workers, offering tips on emotional intelligence in exchange for their “digital intelligence.” Perhaps a little more intergenerational learning is just what other high-tech firms need.