Tag: Past

Learning from the Past

September 12, 2023 bobturner saltJournal 0 Comments

Numerous challenges exist when we consider the past. We cannot change the past, and we cannot go back and relive it, so why dwell on the events of it?

We have heard the thought expressed, “if we do not learn from the past, we are doomed to repeat it.” We must allow the past to provide us with a tool by which we learn.

Leaders at every level should closely examine the past and evaluate what can be learned from both the good and bad, successes and failures.

Ultimately, the result should produce a plan for how to move ahead.

Prepared by the Past

July 3, 2023 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

I once saw a billboard with the following statement, “The past does not define, it prepares.”

Perspective proves to be reality for all of us. When we consider the perspective we hold on our past, it is amazing how often we define our lives by it.

Regardless of what has happened, good or bad, success or failure, how different would the future be if we lived with the perspective that our past only prepared us from something greater?

We cannot live in the past. We certainly cannot change it. Why not use the opportunity to view the past as a foundation for the future God has in store?

Leading by Instant Replay

March 29, 2023 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

We are all familiar with the use of “instant replay” in sports.

What would instant replay look like in our leadership?

Has there been a time when we said or did something we wish we could rewind and do over?

How would it affect our leadership if we reviewed our words and actions through instant replay?

What would the future look like if we were able to slow down and carefully examine events of the past?

A few thoughts to remember.

1) Learn from mistakes of the past.
2) Recognize the warning signs.
3) Think before speaking and acting, especially if anger is present.

The Past

February 14, 2023 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

We cannot live in the past, nor can we return to change it. If we had a chance to live yesterday over I am sure there are areas we would change.

Yesterday provides a benefit to our leadership in several ways.

1) We can learn from the successes and failures.
2) We can plan a better future based on the history.
3) We can establish measures to prevent duplicating mistakes.
4) We can lead others onto a straighter course.

I know we all strive to survive the present with an anticipation of the future. However, we also need to stop on occasion and benefit from the past.

Preventing Emergencies

February 10, 2023 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

Recognizing problems in advance and preventing them from becoming emergencies both provide powerful benefits.

What can a leader do to recognize these problems in advance?

Accept that problems will happen. Living in denial, ignoring, or hoping a problem will go away is an invitation for an emergency.

Practice good communication. Many problems could be detected sooner if leaders listened more carefully.

Ask appropriate questions. At the first sign of a problem, learn to ask the right questions.

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

There are no exact lists to resolve every problem in advance. However, these few will help.

Future of Leadership

July 13, 2022 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

While growing up it was common to hear, “Son, when I was your age I used to…” The idea spoke of fond memories from the past. Do you remember the good ole’ days?

We may look to the past with regret over words or actions, or we may look with hope to greater opportunities for the future.

Leadership is not about the past, but the future. Leaders do not lead people where they have been, but where they need to go.

Do not allow the past to dictate direction. Acknowledge it. Learn from it. Leave it where it is, and focus on the future.

Powerful Communication

May 9, 2022 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

How can leaders ensure their message is understood?

Have a clear understanding of the past, present, and future. How did you get here? Where are you now? What direction are you headed?

Prepare a strong defense as to why you are communicating this specific message at this specific time.

Plan how the destination will be reached and communicate it often to ensure no one forgets.

Implement a confirmation brief, which means you ask others to explain what they heard you say.

It takes time and effective communication to get everyone on the same page.

Past, Present, and Future Lessons

April 11, 2022 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

Several years ago, I came across a quote that I loved. It simply said, “The past is where you learned the lesson. The future is where you apply the lesson. Don’t give up in the middle.”

Based on the lessons learned, the wisdom gained directs the decisions, attitudes, and actions of our future. Here, we apply the lessons gained from past experiences.

The challenge is learning to never give up in between learning the lessons which are connected to our past and recovering enough to make the proper application of those lessons in the future.

Leaders do well to learn and apply accordingly.

Perseverance

December 29, 2021 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

A common phrase to encourage perseverance is “hold on.” Holding on a few more minutes can make the difference in securing hope, gaining a measure of strength, finding the answer, or reaching the goal.

When we consider giving up, the question becomes, “hold on to what?” Success seems elusive and passion has dwindled to little more than an ember. What can we hold on to?

Reflect on the past. The past holds a key to how we move forward.
Remember we are not alone. Avoid the Elijah syndrome. God is there.
Realize faith in the vision. Without vision, there is no direction.

Learning From The Past

September 27, 2021 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

The past introduces a number of challenges to life. Regardless of the good or the bad, our past often influences who we are and the direction of our future.

The only way to win with the past is to learn from it – good or bad – and use the lesson to help shape a better direction for the future.

For Paul, nothing was more valuable than knowing Jesus. The value of knowing Jesus gave Paul purpose and direction. He did not allow his past to dictate the direction of his future. Instead, he was able to reach forward with hope in the resurrection.

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