There is a unique situation in South Africa as the white Baby Boomer generation head towards retirement in the next few years.
Instead of wanting to leave a legacy behind them (which is probably the global Boomer desire), South African white Boomers just can’t wait to get the hell out of the organisations that have sidelined them over the last 15 years in the wake of Affirmative Action and Empowerment policies. This is a precarious position as businesses begin to realise that there are not enough Xers to replace them and they run the risk of losing core skills, experience and wisdom. This risk is compounded by the reluctance to engage in transferring their wisdom prior to leaving the organisation.
It was a telling moment when sitting with a client in the electricity industry yesterday who told me directly that we won’t get anything out of these guys – in terms of transferring their wisdom to younger employees – until someone from the organisation stands up and says, “Guys, we’re sorry … we’ve f&*ked this Affirmative Action thing up and messed you around”.
I wonder if the Corporate Ego will allow this to happen?
Resentment in the wake of Affirmative Action
This sentiment just scratches the surface of the Boomers that are heading out. I’ve also noticed it in the Boomers and I don’t think they are going to get their appology.
Some sweeping statements and suggestions in your post. Can one conversation be enough evidence to suggest some of what you are?
Good question. There have been numerous conversations I’ve been involved in, but this one is just the one I’ve articulated. Perhaps other readers might be able to clarify?
It’s a bit ironic that affirmative action and empowerment would ge rid of people, don’t you think? Actually the thing I wondered about when I first read your note was where these boomers are going. That is they may not be going home to sit in a rocking chair to watch the trees grow — they may be doing another job, altogether.