I was discussing an upcoming job interview when a friend kindly suggested that I prepare for it by dyeing my hair.

I am nowhere near the age to qualify for Denny’s senior menu, but I do have some silver strands on my brunette head. I’ve brought the subject up to various job seekers. One and all bristled at the idea that we should be compelled to change our appearance to overcome some subtle bigotry.

Career advisors invoke an image reminiscent of an invasion, where hordes of youthful, vibrant workers are streaming from their universities to compete against us older folks for a dwindling number of jobs.  They imply we would be on more even footing if we looked younger.

Putting that imagery aside for the moment, a friend of mine looked for a Human Resources role for six months with no results. Then she dyed her hair from silver to blonde, and she had an offer three weeks later. She doesn’t believe it’s a coincidence. Yes, I did say Human Resources, and I do see the irony.

The pressure isn’t just because I’m a woman, either. A colleague said he was advised to airbrush his image in Photoshop to look a bit less “worn,” shall we say.

But the tide may be changing. According to a survey by Watson Wyatt, workers ages 50 – 64 are postponing retirement. Although the average planned retirement age for all employees is 65 years old, half of those surveyed plan to retire at age 66 or later.

Their reasoning is sound: 76 percent cite a decline in 401(k) value, 63 percent the high cost of health care, and 62 percent higher prices for basic necessities.  While the youthful horde might be lining up for interviews, the so-called silver generation is not marching quietly out the back door. 

I have no wish to be a young pup again. Those lines around my eyes are from years of laughter as I brought energy to a struggling office. I developed furrows on my forehead from successfully managing declining budgets and increasing workloads. My hands, not as smooth as they once were, have shaken thousands of hands, taken countless photos, designed hundreds of posters and pamphlets.

Most of all, companies need us older folks to teach the next generation. Technology has changed how we contact one another but not why we do so.  We have the experience to establish communication with purpose, not just empty air. We also have the wisdom to value continuous learning.

If I dye my hair, it will be because I make a great redhead, and I find the silvery glint on my head distracting. However, if I’m supposed to dye my hair as an apology for actively living my life, then I refuse.  

Have you ever read something so fantastic that you could swoon?  No, I’m not referring to Twilight but something far deeper—a memo of greeting from the new head of Yahoo public relations to his staff.

The typical memo of introduction is a stiff list of credentials: company names and titles of previous roles, education, and maybe a brief mention about the family. Wrap it up with a standard quote, e.g. “I’m so glad to be joining XYZ Company and look forward to meeting all of you.”

But Yahoo! does something very different. First, the Yahoo PR folks completed a questionnaire to help new boss Eric Brown get to know them better. He then responded with a letter to the team that is informative and yet personable. Excerpts are in italics.

Brown emphasizes what they have in common. I’ve been especially thrilled with the personal profiles you sent my way. I’ve seen other people whose phobias are the same as mine: spiders and heights; enjoyed how many of you put Paris as your favorite place on Earth; and am impressed with how many amazing books this group has collectively read.

If your company has employees complete such questionnaires, you’re the minority. However, new managers can still find out something that they have in common with their teams by reviewing the latest employee engagement survey or comments collected after a company town hall.

He has solid credentials but is open to learning.  I’m very excited to learn “consumer” from all of you–and equally excited to share experiences from my almost 20 years in the business in return.
I’ve worked with managers who have started with an “I’ve come to clean up this mess” attitude. It’s not a comfort—it’s arrogance.  But if you’re willing to listen to me, I’m willing to listen to you, too.

He believes communications has a role at the table. Proudest accomplishment: professionally–being part of the “inner counsel circle” for NetApp execs on a variety of comms and marketing issues (which I hope to be here at Yahoo! as well).

He’s also putting his goal— to be part of the inner circle of decision-makers—out there for everyone to see.

He shares how to work with him. My biggest pet peeve: beating around the bush–tell me what you want me to know because I’m not telepathic and say it without a lot of metaphor or subtlety–if you really want me to know something, please make it crystal clear…. honesty really IS the best policy.

Forthrightness—with tact—is encouraged. That’s not an invitation to come whining and complaining, but it says more about an open door policy than “my door is always open.”

I don’t expect the big boss to be my best friend because we like the same authors or share a fear of heights. However, a personable memo goes further to capture my loyalty than a basic list of credentials. When I read that he wants people to be honest (but don't criticize the hair), I thought I could swoon... but I'm blaming that on the summer heat.