Ever catch yourself telling your colleagues about that one time, during the big project, at another company, how you (Insert incredible achievement):

  1. Saved the day
  2. Won a big award
  3. Received a big bonus
  4. Scored the largest account ever

Why the Past Doesn’t Matter

Glory Days, my friend. Bruce Springsteen sang about this back in 1984! How boring to have to listen to stories about past glories in a job that isn’t the same, an industry that no longer applies, and a decade that is quite different in every way from today. Why do people do this? Does it matter that I received an award for work I did in 2001? That was seven years ago. S-E-V-E-N. What have I done lately?

Why the Past Does Matter

Who we are today is the amalgam of experience, education, and maturity gained over time. Our past, the triumphs and failures, shape the way we see today’s challenges, relate to the world, and experience others. There is no discounting the value of any of this.

The Art versus the Science

That said, filter early, filter often. While my experience 14 years ago may have made a tremendous difference in my life, my colleagues may have little interest. What we are able to apply, produce, change, today - that matters.

Joe Raasch :: Apr.21.2008 :: Innovation, Leadership, Organizational Development, Performance Management :: 2 Comments »