Straining for Relevance

Relevance is a fleeting proposition.

Relevance or being relevant in the modern working environment is getting more and more challenging. As senior leaders change, as technology advanced, as new methods are embraced, some team members struggle to retain their position of relevance.

This phenomenon occurs outside of work as well. In churches, organizations and even in homes, more seasoned people struggle when they do not adapt and when the rest of the dynamic does not respect or appreciate their perspective. Sociologically speaking, this also relates to the uniquely American process of warehousing the old.

There are two distinct and very different strategies to look at related to relevance. From the organizational perspective, increased engagement, respect and reaching out to appreciate past experiences and methods is needed. From the individual perspective, the grace and good judgement to not fight change and to even step away is needed.