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Sir Alex Ferguson: experience within an organisation

Robert Bowyer, director at Venn Group, shares his views on the importance of experience within an organisation, following news of Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.

Sir Alex Ferguson has announced his retirement after more than a quarter of a century as manager at Manchester United – but he has confirmed that he will remain with the club on the board of directors.

At 71, Ferguson is well beyond the current state pension age of age of 65. But the recent announcement during the Queen’s Speech that retirement age is being delayed to fund a flat-rate pension scheme, coupled with the fact that many professionals now actively decide to work until later in life, is changing the way we plan and execute our career paths.

Ferguson’s decision to adopt a consultative role in the latter stages of his working life is not uncommon. In recent years there has been a shift towards senior professionals capitalising on their wisdom by carving out fresh career paths after many years on the job.

Seeking out an advisory position is a natural progression for more senior workers with valuable but underused skills and expertise. Experience has taught me that many managers become restless and disengaged when they hit a plateau in their careers. Of course, moving onto the board of a familiar company is an always attractive option. But professionals may also move on from their nine-to-five job by becoming a professional interim.

Senior level interim staff are a valuable commodity for employers who seek to attract quality talent without the permanent headcount costs associated with permanent hires. And organisations can benefit hugely from the diverse range of skills that a multi-generational workforce can offer.

Meanwhile, professionals looking to take their career to the next level often find that working as a professional contractor is challenging, exciting, and fulfilling – not to mention financially rewarding.

Retirement age is rising and as a result our career maps are changing. Savvy professionals are taking control of their careers and avoiding stagnation by cashing in on their years of on-the-job-training by moving onto pastures new.

As one of Britain’s most infamous modern day leaders, Ferguson will now be making decisions in the board room rather that the dressing room. But his integral knowledge of the business and track-record of success at the club will no doubt pay dividends during his new tenure. Of course, organisations must continually seek out new skills and fresh talent in order to grow and prosper – but there really is no substitute for experience. By investing in wisdom, businesses can safeguard their strength and longevity for many years to come.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Venn Group .