A Retirement Mindset
The past year has been a deep dive into what retirement might feel like, even though I'm not quite there yet. It's been a revelation. I've found unexpected hours for writing – a luxury unheard of in a full-time grind. My walking shoes have seen more action than ever, transforming into my personal moving meditation. And with this newfound space, I've had the gift of time to simply observe and reflect on the world and its people. This period of "semi-retirement" has been incredibly clarifying, affirming many past choices, but also liberating me to envision the kind of professional I want to be in the future.
Now, my work life is ramping up again. I'm back in the classroom, crafting words, collaborating on corporate innovation and culture initiatives, and actively forging new business ventures. As the pace quickens, my goal is to hold onto those invaluable "retirement behaviours" and attitudes that have emerged over the last year.
I've watched countless colleagues announce their retirement, and it’s fascinating how their approach to work transforms. It’s not checking out; it’s leaning in with newfound authenticity. Suddenly, they're not afraid to speak their minds, to challenge the status quo, to shed the corporate armour and simply be themselves. When asked why, the common refrain is, "I've got nothing to lose." But it's more than that. They haven't stopped caring; they've simply shifted what they care about. The self-protective, political mindset dissolves, replaced by an apolitical advocate. They become the employee everyone always wished they were: committed, compassionate, and transparent. I’ve often lamented that we only get this "retirement version" of a person at the very end of their tenure, a disservice to the organization, their colleagues, and ultimately, their clients.
Looking back on my 30+ year career, I’ve always strived to be a transparent and authentic advocate for those I served. Many of those "retirement behaviours" were, for me, simply how I operated. I vividly recall a colleague pulling me aside early in my senior leadership journey, warning, "John, you can’t voice those views in meetings if you want a career here." I thank them regularly for that stark advice. First, it showed me courage in confronting a colleague, a quality I’ve aimed to embody ever since. More importantly, it solidified my resolve: I would not censor my opinions for the sake of career advancement. My career has been punctuated by expressing unpopular, even uncomfortable, truths, sometimes as a devil's advocate, sometimes from my own conviction. The delivery wasn't always perfect, nor was the reception, but I have no regrets about speaking up.
"I don’t care." This phrase slipped from my lips far too often in the workplace. It became my default shield against criticism, discomfort, or when I wanted to create a layer of protection. But it was a superficial defense, as my actions always betrayed a deeper commitment. My recent semi-retirement has illuminated the crucial need to define what I truly care about and what I don't. With clients, I must unequivocally communicate my dedication to their success and development, even if the specific tasks or organizational mandates aren’t my primary focus. I want to embody that "pending retiree" mindset, transforming tension into something productive through an authentic, transparent, and open approach to my work.
As I accelerate my new professional journey, I am determined to retain this "retirement mindset." I will continue to write, recognizing its invaluable role in my expression and thought. I will keep walking, my physical and emotional well-being radiating positive energy to those around me. And I will persistently seek out people and experiences that inspire pause and discomfort.
Truly strong leaders operate with this retirement mindset. They possess a clarity of purpose, understanding what truly drives success for others. They fulfill their responsibilities, but also fearlessly challenge organizational myths and norms. Crucially, they cultivate environments where their teams can also embrace this mindset, fostering not just safe spaces, but brave spaces where actions speak louder than words and genuine care for others is paramount. If you aspire to be a better leader, ask yourself: How would your work behaviour change if you announced your retirement tomorrow? Identify those behaviours. Then, imagine adopting them now. What impact would that have on your success, and the success of your colleagues?
