Handkerchiefs

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If you haven’t had the opportunity to watch Robert De Niro in The Intern, I strongly suggest that you do. In addition to being a very entertaining and feel-good movie, The Intern addresses some issues and feelings of many baby boomer males. There is a moment in the movie when De Niro explains to one of his millennial workmates why he carries a handkerchief, “you never know when a women will need one.” This is a telling statement that highlights what we baby boomers can still offer the work world; dignity, empathy, emotional intelligence, and a deep experience pool that organizations can learn from.

We all know that the world is changing at light speed. Although I love change, the pace of change is causing significant disruption in our work lives and personal lives. Depending on how well you deal with change, for some this rate of change is causing significant consternation. I get it but there is nothing we can do about it. For some of my brethren, their response is to sit around the coffee bar at the diner complaining about everything under the sun. Well, if that’s you, stop it! The world needs you and it’s a great world at that.

In my opinion this world offers more opportunities than it ever has in its history. The digital economy has neutered many of the gatekeepers (except government) opening the doors for people like us to strike out on our own and build a life around our passions. We may need to learn some new skills in this new world, but some of our old skills are still badly needed to help calm very rough waters. Be proud of what you can offer organizations and society and make no excuses for some of your “old-fashioned” ways. Whatever your metaphorical replacement for the handkerchief, wear it with pride and remind people why it’s still relevant. Be brave fellow boomers, the world needs you!