The wise woman

I could just write about the fact that American journalist Barbara Walters is still breaking international stories for her employer, television’s ABC News in the US, at the age of 82. But there is more to this story for company leaders than the achievements of one hard-working, talented woman.

Last week, Walters interviewed the Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad, and his extraordinary responses made headlines around the world. The transcript of the interview is a testament to the skill of Walters; the President circles incoherently and yet she presses him to make many astonishing revelations. The one that made many headlines globally was Bashar al-Assad’s statement: “We don’t kill our people … no government in the world kills its people, unless it’s led by a crazy person.”

Journalism is a sexist profession. Women news anchors are young and pretty, the few who are older are stunningly beautiful; the men are gnarled, weathered and wise-looking (whether or not they are).

Walters has traversed the decades from the beauty of youth through a fine middle age to her elder years. Surgery? Oh, who cares. There is no denying that Walters is old, yet she is still there. ABC News has kept is best talent in front of the camera despite the conventions that dictate she should go.

The convention is not just that she is a woman whose most beautiful years are behind her. The convention is to do with age itself.

Companies love to boast that they have a young workforce; young staff are cheap (especially women), energetic, healthy and have fewer family constraints. They lack the wisdom of older workers, the efficiency, experience, perspective, balance and mastery of their occupation.

Of course, Walters is an outstanding performer. While we can all aspire to her heights, there isn’t room at the peak for everyone. But Walters demonstrates the value of pressing past the stereotypes and hiring, retaining, promoting and appreciating the elders of our community. Especially women, I suspect.

Older men and women both suffer discrimination. Is it worse for women? I don’t have the evidence at my fingertips and I am not sure it matters.

What matters is that our population is ageing and company leaders are always pleading for more skilled workers, yet decisions are made on the basis of discrimination of all kinds.

Many of us know someone in their 50s, with at least another 10 good years to contribute to the workforce, who is going from job interview to job interview. OK, they need some technology training and a bit of a confidence boost but that is all.

Walters reminds us of all that our elders have to offer. And, from a bigger pool of wise, experienced staff, will emerge the occasional dazzling star just like her to make it all worthwhile.

Do you agree? Write and tell me your views.

BRW

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