Longevity: A Real Benefit!

September is usually a great time of the year. It starts getting cooler, football begins in earnest, and the holidays are just around the corner. This year September started as usual and then a visit to my dentist changed everything. After completing my filling Dr. Tonk Mills said he had decided to retire in December. He was a little sorry since on June 13, 2013 we could have celebrated fifty years together.

What are the benefits of a doctor- patient association of fifty years? I could count on Dr. Mills to give me recommendations and often choices for my dental care. On all but one occasion I took his advice. Once he said I should have a root canal but I chose to remove the tooth. Years later after three root canals I realize his advice should have been followed.. We both enjoy golf, so the years have provided discussions of his trips to Scotland and our adventures on the course. We’ve talked about playing a round, but it never came about. Maybe it will since we both have more time on our hands.

Years ago I gave Dr. Mills a copy of my book “Thinking Out of the Box” and he commented upon it several times also sharing it with his employees. He has encouraged me about the book many times. On this occasion, our last as Doctor-patient, he said he was sharing the book with his grandson in Kansas City. The grandson was starting his career in business. Sharing the eleven year old book was just another example of encouragement coming as a result of our relationship’s longevity.
In our modern organizations longevity yields benefits also. There is always a place for new people and new ideas, but the contribution of veterans is immeasurable. The longer term employees tend to be the “go to people” that can be counted upon to lead in time of crisis. In his book “Leadership is An Art” writer Max DePree identifies tribal storytelling as the art of moving myths, legends, and values of the company forward to the next generation and it is absent without longevity.

Early in my insurance career I had great managers and training that helped me launch my career. In addition our office had over fifteen people with over twenty years with the company. We used to have a joke that it depended whether someone had thirty years of experience or one year of experience thirty times. The ones making use of and sharing their experiences were invaluable. Hours in the office with those veterans added a great deal to my individual growth. Without the experiences of those with significant longevity my development would have been much slower.

Oh by the way, happy retirement Dr. Mills!