[September 23, 2014] Until the past couple of decades a person could relocate to another geographic area, gain useful employment, and start a family; thereby leaving past transgressions in the past. The permanency of your past is, however, here to stay. Many well-known people have experienced a bit of embarrassment when their past behavior was made public. Things that occurred decades ago, perhaps when we were not as mature in our thinking or actions, have come back to haunt us. But there is a way to minimize its effect on us today.
Just recently Hillary Clinton had more of her past associations with a hardcore left-wing radical Saul Alinsky exposed in some detail1. This is not good for her as she tries to change her politics to a more moderate position. General Douglas MacArthur was known as a “mama’s boy” at West Point and called “Dugout Doug” and a “coward” for his actions in World War II.
Our past can impact whether we get a good job … and are able to keep it. The lingering effects are significant and long lasting. Many politicians have had their military and college records sealed so that others cannot discover things about their past associations, behavior, or ideas. Secretary of State John Kerry had his military records sealed, for example.
And frankly, our actions speak loudly. Even those in our past – right, wrong, or misunderstood our behavior may have been. Leaders know this is a fact of leadership but should be ready to discuss it openly, with candor. Otherwise, people will believe that by hiding it or understating its impact, makes you reprehensible all the more.
Honesty and humility are the two most important leadership characteristics that will allow leaders to minimize the pull of the past. Be prepared to discuss it, admit what was done, never underplay its importance, and never make excuses. The past is what it is and deal with it without embarrassment. Those people who want to make something of it will have to face you, the senior leader, who will not give in to their obsessions.
[Don’t forget to “Like” the Leader Maker at our Facebook Page.]
——————————