Tag: Past

True Gentleman

March 5, 2026 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

General Robert E. Lee said, “The forbearing use of power does not only form a touchstone; but the manner in which an individual enjoys certain advantages over others is a test of a true gentleman…The gentleman does not needlessly and unnecessarily remind an offender of a wrong he may have committed against him. He can only forgive; he can forget; and he strives for that nobleness of self and mildness of character which imparts sufficient strength to let the past be put in the past.”

What a lesson for leaders today. A true gentleman demonstrates character that knows how to treat those who can do nothing for them.

Choices

March 3, 2026 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

Most choices in life have little or no consequential value, but a few choices do. For example, where we live, who we marry, children, raising children, etc.

The greatest choice, however, is connected to our relationship with God.

In order to take a step in the right direction as leaders, we need to make choices that will help others find the path to eternal life.

We share good news for overcoming the past. We give confidence for today. We provide hope for a better tomorrow.

Others seek someone to lead them in the right direction. Let us step up to the challenge and lead for the cause of our Lord.

Recognizing Problems

January 16, 2026 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

Leaders face numerous tests that define their leadership. Arnold Glasow said, “One of the tests of leadership is the ability to recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency.”

How is it possible? Here are a few suggestions.

Accept that problems will happen. Denying or ignoring potential problems only invites an emergency.

Practice listening skills. Many problems can be detected sooner if leaders listened more carefully.

Ask appropriate questions. At the first sign of a problem, ask questions related to the situation. 

Learn from the past. Lessons learned from previous experience provide a foundation for the future.

These suggestions are initial steps in the right direction.

Summarizing Leadership

November 24, 2025 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

To summarize is to use fewer words to encompass the whole of a previous message.

If we were to summarize our leadership in a few words, what would we say? Could we express it in a word or two? A sentence or two? Would our leadership be summarized by…

An “others interested” or “self interested” perspective?

A spiritual or physical focus?

Our past, present, or future?

In reality, the fewer words we use the more challenging it can be to summarize leadership.

It is worth your time to think about how you would summarize your leadership.

Seeing the Unseen

August 12, 2025 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

This statement deals with more than just “seeing” God. What exactly is involved? Consider a little background.

We must consider where we have been. Consider the past year. What mistakes were made? What successes were enjoyed? Was God part of the equation?

We must also consider where we are right now. Are we where we need to be at this time? Will this place provide a basis for where we need to go? Is God part of the equation?

Now we can formulate plans on where to go from here. Seeing God’s part in our past and present allows us to see His hand in our future.

If God is not part of the equation, we do not have a clear vision!

Focus on the Future

May 12, 2025 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

We often view the past with great fondness.

We may look to the past with regret over words or actions we cannot change.

We also learn from the past with hope of greater opportunities for the future.

Our leadership must focus on the future. We do not lead people where they have been, but where they need to go.

Paul knew the regret of words and actions from his past, but he chose to focus on what lies ahead.

We, too, must remember the work of spiritual leadership. When it comes to the past, acknowledge it, learn from it, and leave it where it is.

Focus on the future.

Be Present

May 2, 2025 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

Following on the heels of yesterday’s post, a thought presented by Jessica Lange seems significant to consider.

“Be present. I would encourage you with all my heart just to be present. Be present and open to the moment that is unfolding before you. Because, ultimately, your life is made up of moments. So, don’t miss them by being lost in the past or anticipating the future.”

How often do we miss the importance of the moment we are in because we cannot overcome our past or we live in anxiety over the future?

As leaders, nothing can be more relevant than being present in our leadership.

Live Holy

May 1, 2025 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

Far too many believe they cannot overcome their past. The failures and, at times, successes experienced tend to consume the whole of one’s focus.

When this happens, we are blinded to a better way for moving forward because we cannot think about anything but the past. We remain stuck and stagnant to greater growth possibilities.

Remember, past successes or failures do not define us, and the future is determined by how we direct today.

Today, I am all in.

Today, I will live holy.

Today, I will lead.

Change

January 6, 2025 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

What would you change, if you had a chance to do 2024 over?

Would you change your words? Would you change your attitude? Would you change your actions?

The way we approach this thought plays a significant role in leadership.

Spiritual leaders must learn from the past and make the appropriate changes for the present. Upon making these changes, everyone can move forward.

Never excuse or justify mistakes. Instead, make the necessary changes.

It is not the past we need to change, but the future. Whatever comes to mind, now is the time to consider how change the direction.

Sacrifice

November 8, 2024 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

To lead is to sacrifice. Sacrifice is found at every level of leadership. When will the sacrifice need to be made? How large of a sacrifice will be necessary?

Perhaps above all, are we willing to make the sacrifice?

If we go below the surface and examine Paul’s leadership, we will find a leader who made great sacrifice. His level of sacrifice is exemplified throughout his writings. He speaks of sacrifices made in the past, present, and future. Whatever it took, he was willing to do.

We could spend weeks considering all the sacrifices required of leaders today. Regardless of what may come to mind, let us arise and make the sacrifices necessary to lead.

God demands it and the church depends on it.

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