Ticket To Play, Not A Place To Stay – The Past Success Story
Ever catch yourself telling your colleagues about that one time, during the big project, at another company, how you (Insert incredible achievement):
- Saved the day
- Won a big award
- Received a big bonus
- 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.
Stumble it!
Joe Raasch :: Apr.21.2008 :: Innovation, Leadership, Organizational Development, Performance Management :: 2 Comments »
Joe,
The art versus the science – learning how and when to let the present be influenced by the past, with a mind to the resulting trajectory into the future.
What great stuff, Joe! Thanks!
Hi Jim,
Thanks for visiting! The ‘art v. science’ part of this post is a reflection of the “know thyself” thread in your posts.
Thanks!
Joe