By Meredith Camp
Tapping into the body of knowledge of those who have already retired from your workforce can be challenging; unless someone from your organization remains in regular communication with those individuals or they come on part time in a consulting capacity, gleaning insight from them once they have moved on may not be possible.  An easier and more proactive approach is one in which the organization has a plan in place to capitalize on the knowledge and experience of those nearing retirement.  It is rare for an individual to refuse to share their secrets of success in an industry meant to serve the public, therefore, as long as time allows, most of these life-long public servants will be all too willing to share their keys to accomplishment.  What are some formulated ways to tap into their valuable information?  Offering a coaching or mentoring program with these soon-to-be-retired folks and those who are on the bench to succeed them or others on that same career track is a great way to provide first-hand experience with the people who have been successful in their roles.  Providing these almost out individuals the opportunity to review job descriptions and competency models for their position and those they directly supervise will ensure their accuracy.  Finally, conducting a thorough exit interview with each of the staff members who retire from your organization will enable you to gain insight into their perspective on the agency—what it is doing well, how it could improve, and what roadblocks to success he or she faced in the position(s) held. 

What are some other ways in which to capitalize on the prowess of your retiring workforce?