While this affects each of us differently, one consistency remains. Many of our wisest, most experienced, and valued leaders will soon be unavailable on a day-to-day basis. Decisions and directions we give little thought to today may soon be a thing of the past. I hear this often: "I never stopped to think of all that he did. He made it look so easy."

In their hearts, our retiring leaders mean it when they say "I'll be here for you whenever you need me." Yet experience proves that these spirited individuals will use the same brilliance that made them succeed in the first place to create a new life of freedom and adventure for themselves.

There's no time better than the present to capture their wisdom, even if you suspect they are nowhere near retirement. Our leaders, coaches, and mentors also change jobs, professions, alliances. Many reasons exist where their wisdom may not be as available to you in the future as it is today.

Sure, you may have had disagreements with them, you may not have made their same choices or given up what they gave up, but their depth of knowledge and perspective surpasses anything you will find in a book.

These leaders and high achievers have specific experience in your field, with your market, clients, customers, products and services. They've seen the trends and lived through up and down markets. All the while they've raised children, striven to find balance, contributed to your community and learned from their mistakes.

What prevents us from benefiting from their wisdom?

• Ego: "I want to do it my way, create a new path! I know I can do it better."
• Humility: "Why would he make time for me? He's a busy, busy man."
• Ignorance: "I have nothing to learn from her; things are different now."

You needn't emulate these insightful individuals - just learn from their breadth of knowledge and experience. Think of what you might learn from them. Write down three to five questions you'd like to ask them.

Be patient as it may be some time before they have space on their calendar for you. Also be specific when requesting their valuable time for your meeting. State what you wish to accomplish and how much time you desire.

If you set a timeline, stick to it. Fifteen minute meetings can easily slip into 30-minute conversations. While this may be enjoyable for you, it may leave a sense of disrespect with the other individual who will have been forced to cut you off.

There is so much wisdom available to you today that simply may not be there tomorrow. Make it a week to expand your concept of what is available to you. Think also where you might share your wisdom with others.

Have a great week and enjoy your discoveries.

Ann

Congratulations to Ann as she was recently named one of the "2007 Women in Business" by the Cascade Business Journal. This annual list acknowledges women who are making a difference not only in successful business practices but in their communities.

Ann Golden Eglé, MCC
Executive Coach & President
Golden Visions Success Coaching, LLC

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Permission is granted to either reproduce copy or distribute "Your Success Thought for the Week for August 29, 2007" as long as this copyright notice and full information about contacting the author is attached. The author is Ann Golden Eglé, Golden Visions Success Coaching, LLC, 541.385.8887, PO Box 1696, Bend, Or. 97709. www.goldenvisionscoaching.com