Posted on January 7, 2010 by kjenwws
Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves are turning the tables on current leadership thinking in their recently published Emotional Intelligence 2.0. Most noteably is their assertion that 58% of performance stems from emotional rather than intellectual intelligence. EQ not IQ.
This idea isn’t really new. But certainly the magnitude of the finding is compelling. Despite thought leaders urging transformational leadership for decades, organizations are still focused on “the numbers” rather than the people and hard skills rather than soft. Remember, doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result is the definition of insanity. Stop the insanity and get in touch with your organization’s heart and soul. A great resolution for the new year.
Filed under: Employee Effectiveness | Leave a Comment »
Posted on December 28, 2009 by kjenwws
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health conducted an extensive study spanning a decade that found a rather surprising and unnerving trend. The number of marijuana smokers between the ages of 45 and 64 nearly tripled from 1991 to 2001. In the more recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the number of recent users over age 50 has climbed to 2.65 million nationwide. Since much of this study was self-reported, I suspect the numbers underestimate the extent of marijuana use in this age group.
Granted, we are unclear the numbers of medical marijuana users are included in these numbers. Many of the participants appear to have continued smoking throughout their lifetime but a significant number have resumed the drug’s use. Although unsupported by research, substance abuse professionals feel that marriage and children tend to reduce drug use while divorce and retirement tend to increase drug use. It’s also clear that “resumers” were not drawn back to smoking by their children. Rather, users cite a desire for the calm and serenity that comes with marijuana that they didn’t experience when they were younger. They’re seeking the fabled “mellow”.
Let’s be very clear about why we point out this behavior. There are very real legal and medical consequences to drug use. In particular, the greatest danger for Baby Boomers is a fivefold increase in the risk of heart disease. A 2008 American Heart Journal study also found increased instances of cardiovascular distress and death in recreational smokers. We strongly encourage our readers to identify legal and safe ways to reduce stress and cope with the pressures of their lives.
Filed under: Health | Tagged: marijuana use | Leave a Comment »
Posted on December 17, 2009 by kjenwws
With all the hoopla about the aging world population, have you ever wondered just how old, on average, the U.S. is?
Not quite as old as you might think. The median age of Maine is 42 and that is the country’s oldest. Their motto? Dirigo – latin for “I direct” or “I lead”.
I’ll let you draw your own conclusions.
Filed under: My Plan After 50 Musings | Tagged: aging population, Maine, world population | Leave a Comment »
Posted on December 14, 2009 by kjenwws
AARP recently identified the best places to live. Using such criteria as rich culture, great food, low stress and affordability, these cities ranked in the top five – Tucson, AZ; Greenville, SC; Montpelier, VT; Logan, UT and Ames, IA. Average commutes are short and number of sunny days are high. As you contemplate where you want your next phase of life to unfold, consider these stellar options.
Filed under: Financial | Tagged: aarp, best places to live | Leave a Comment »
Posted on December 10, 2009 by kjenwws
Money worries have driven many silent generation workers to stay on the job well into their 80s and 90s. Memories of the Great Depression fuel the fear that there will not be enough money to live comfortably or meager Social Security benefits necessitate a second paycheck. While the average age of Social Security claimants is 63.9, they are continuing to work longer. The number of workers 65 to 69 increased 25%, 70 to 74 increased 32%, 75 to 79 increased 38% and 80+ workers increased 67%.
Increased longevity has also given those over 60 the opportunity to extend their careers. Today America has 100,000 centenarians. But these “bonus years” also require funding. The Center for Retirement Research at Boston College indicates that 52% of older Boomers will potentially be unable to maintain their standard of living after retirement. This unfortunate trend is projected to continue for 64% of young Boomers and 71% of Gen X. Overwhelming debt along with rising healthcare costs will continue to place pressure on worker assets. Even those who have lived within their means and saved religiously could face delayed retirement plans.
While this may sound discouraging, only one generation has been able to retire into the fantasy invented by the financial industry. Throughout history, humans have worked from coming of age to their end of age. Although working longer is likely in our future, so is a retirement that could last 10-15 years given the projected 20-40 year extension of our life expectency. With all the emotional and financial considerations, we can’t stress enough how critical life planning will be. Start today by visiting www.myplanafter50.com and begin the thought-provoking work to establish the vision for your next phase of life. Got a plan? Request a coach who can support your efforts in making your life plan a reality.
Filed under: Financial, My Plan After 50 Musings | Tagged: debt, heathcare, social security, the Great Depression | Leave a Comment »
