A recent CNN quote about government downsizing caught my attention:
“All that experience is being led out the door.”
It got me thinking—what is the real value of experience?
A few years ago, a major aerospace company laid off around 700 employees.
The demographics were telling: the majority affected were Managers, Senior Managers, and Directors with 25 to 30 years of tenure.
As one person said to me, “It’s DISASTROUS!. All the internal knowledge is going to be lost!”
But what happened next?
– The company continued delivering products.
– Revenues climbed.
– The stock price remained strong.
The Hard Truth: Experience Doesn’t Always Equal Effectiveness
Let’s face it—many of these employees had likely peaked within the organization. The layoffs weren’t just about cutting costs; they were about making room for fresh talent with new energy and ideas.
Yes, institutional knowledge matters. But so does adaptability, innovation, and drive.
Think about it this way: I have very experienced Doritos in my pantry. That doesn’t mean they’re still good.
At the end of the day, complacency kills.
And this week a lot of government employees are experiencing the pains often felt in the private sector, but at least the pain comes with a generous 8 months of severance.
