Irene, 60 years old and a senior policy adviser at a government environmental protection agency, wants to keep leading major projects and feels she is on a trajectory opposite that of others her age who are thinking about retirement. She has to stay current to be considered for those leadership roles.

Here are some suggestions to help you grow personally and increase your value on the job:

• Find out about recent technology or computer software in related fields that is having an impact on the way a job is done or analyzed.

• Read industry publications from cover to cover and subscribe to online newsletters that discuss new developments in the field. Don’t overlook sections that may not seem to relate to your job, such as those on technology or marketing. Often, new ideas come from unusual sources.
• Participate in training programs offered by your company. Seek out lectures, symposiums and seminars offered through professional organizations or through your local college or university. Take online courses if you can’t attend in-person.
• Meet regularly with others in related fields. If there is no one in your area, use email to stay in touch. Forward information you think they will find of interest and ask them to do the same for you.
• Follow news of new research and studies that indicate business or cultural trends and directions.

Finally, focus on your goals: don’t allow rigid thinking or things like your distaste for office politics, petty rules or difficult people derail you from what you are trying to achieve. If you run into such obstacles, use your skills at negotiation to bypass them. You know a lot and have life experience, so use it!

Check out the Web site at: www.thetransitionnetwork.org.