Using Retired Experts as Devil's Advocates

I learned about a neat practice at Boeing today. The aerospace giant leverages the knowledge and expertise of retired engineers and managers in a creative way. The firm brings them back in to evaluate progress in key projects. At times they serve as a constructive devil's advocate - that unbiased expert who can provide a fresh perspective on a project. The technique also helps prevent the sunk cost trap too, I believe. All firms need to use unbiased experts who don't have vested interests to apply a second set of eyes at times. Using retired experts is terrific, as they know the business and the culture.