Want some advice? Hug a 30 year old today

Just finished presenting and talking at the Excellence in Government conference here in Washington DC. The topic was, well, making government more excellent. For you members of Generation X, please insert your Bill and Ted comment here.

Regardless, here’s a quick dispatch – the number one theme at the conference. Terrorism? Not by a long shot. Pay for performance? Yes, but not the hottest theme. The number one urgent topic is the UPCOMING TALENT WARS.

Essentially, most of the government is looking around and realizing that they have lots of 50+ workers, and a bunch of 22 – 27 year old new employees, but very little in between. Plus, many of these organizations claim that they have been remiss in mentoring, creating career ladders, and succession plans. In other words, lots of experienced brains are retiring, and the federal government is realizing that they are going to be competing with the WHOLE WORLD in every industry for capable, talented younger brains.

So want some advice? Hug a 30 year old. Start mentoring young people TODAY. Give them a reason to care about your organization. Give them a clear idea of the path up. And start giving them greater responsibility.

In four years, you’ll thank me.

-Garland