Over the years I have noticed a correlation between successful companies and the average experience level of their leadership team (you may call it your executive or management team). I have worked with companies that, although they are making money, are noticeably slipping. A common denominator among these companies seems to be that they aren’t investing in new products or technologies, or coming up with innovative concepts; in many respects, they are benefiting from decisions and actions that they — or their predecessors — made years ago. When I attend management meetings at these companies, I feel like one of the youngest people in the room (I know I just stepped over the line with that, but I believe it needs to be said). On the other hand, really successful companies have a blend of seasoned executives and younger members who have fresh ideas and are willing to challenge their elders when they say, “We do X this way because that’s how we’ve always done it.” If your goal is to be a successful company in 20 years, maybe it’s time to take a step back and take a hard look at the composition of your leadership team.