CROSS-GENERATIONAL APPEAL

President Barack Obama, in his commencement speech at Arizona State University on May 13th, made several significant points for Gen Y/Millennials students that translate also to Boomers thinking about their next career destination. (Below are quotes or paraphrases as I jotted them down.)

*  Success is not pursuing celebrity and material things or status, a title.. Relentless pursuit of superficial markers can lead to complacency rather than doing your best.

*  We need to continually adapt.

*  We need your daring and enthusiasm.

*  Commit to do what's meaningful to you. Follow your passions to change the world. You have no excuses not to change the world.

*  Be someone who cares.

*  Choices over a lifetime make a lasting legacy. Your body of work is never finished.

Interestingly, there was big applause when helping not-for-profits and teaching were mentioned; not much enthusiasm was exhibited when business was mentioned. It remains to be seen if that is just a sign of the times or an attitude that persists.

Much of this is not dramatically different from the typical commencement speech year after year. But it has a special resonance in these tumultuous times and severe economic downturn. People need to rethink their priorities, whether by choice or not. After long careers, many Boomers are looking to reconnect to their more youthful vision of changing the world and working for the public good. There is much to be done if people let go of a definition of success that starts with a dollar sign. Yes, we need to be productive  and self-sufficient, but that's only the beginning. As an eternal optimist, I believe in unforeseen opportunities and that good can and will come of it.

Phyllis Weiss Haserot     www.pdcounsel.com