I remember when I was a child my parents would always say "respect your elders." The words were somewhat lost on me. I also remember when my son was 18 years old, he said to me "Dad, you seem to be getting smarter as I am getting older." How I reveled in that utterance! Father and son had both reached a point where they recognized that wisdom often comes with age.

Whether we are beginning our careers, halfway through, or playing the last couple of holes of this golf tournament we call work, we can always benefit from those who have gone before us-particularly retired professionals.

When it comes to the human condition, there is not much new out there. Retired professionals have invariably experienced the same thoughts, questions, doubts, insecurities, successes, etc., that we are experiencing or have experienced. How wonderful it is to see a road map from others to help us along our own journey. Don't get caught in a common trap, however. Don't be too proud to not ask for help from someone you might think is "over the hill." Usually when a thought like that crosses our mind it indicates we need some experienced help sooner rather than later.

The most well know organization of retired professionals is SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives), which offers business counseling or coaching to small business owners. Whether you are a developing executive or a developing business owner, learning from these well-versed and willing volunteers can save you time and money.

One of the most important points about seeking counseling from a retired executive is the fact that they will not be competitive with you. Retired executives have forever left the competitive mainstream so their emotional interest will be focused on helping you to succeed. Retired professionals make excellent mentors; they are available to provide acceptance, encouragement (when it is needed most), coaching, and counseling.

On Thursday, many of us will be gathered around the Thanksgiving table, offering our thanks and being grateful for our achievements in life. Whether we are a developing leader or a leader of some importance, we can all learn from each other. I encourage you to look to the older members around the table for insight-and, likewise be willing to give your own insight to younger generations when it is sought. It is often from the stories of life that we receive the greatest amount of wisdom.

No matter how you are spending your Thanksgiving, we should all give thanks to this incredible country and the spirit we have developed since September 11th. Last weekend, I had the solemn opportunity to view Ground Zero - not only from street level, but also from the 26th floor of an adjacent building. What struck me most about the setting was the fantastic loyalty from the fireman and police officers visiting from other municipalities and states, each proudly wearing their uniform and paying their last respects to our heroes. In many ways, they were paying respect not only to the recent fallen ranks, but also to the generations who served before them. Such generations' own dedication and experience clearly affects the brave men and women who serve our country today.

Now ask yourself... Am I a Leader?