Word of advice to all leaders: Stop saying “Back in the Day”
Having the ability to put emphasis on the future is a key aspect that separates leaders from rank-and-file workers in my mind.
However, there does come a time when even some ‘forward-looking’ people stop trying to improve things for the future and start reflecting too much on the past.
They start to believe the practices of yesterday that brought them success years before can bring them new triumphs in the workplace.
This clinging to the past becomes painfully obvious when the phrase “Back in the day” is said in a group discussion, one-on-one conversation or corporate meeting led by a senior leader. I have heard this saying many times in my professional life.
Let’s face it, even some of us have said it. I admit it can be hard to avoid.
Remember the Al Bundy character from the TV series “Married with Children” constantly talking about his glory days when he scored four touchdowns in one game helping win the city championship for Polk High.
Here is a clip of the great Al Bundy character played by Ed O’Neil to refresh your memory:
Those warm feelings of nostalgia are hard to shake. Reflecting on a time of personal achievement brings us a sense of happiness. People love to reflect on a time when they were on top of the world, creating and innovating in their industry and paving the way ahead for their organizations.
Some leaders though do get set in their ways. This is where the dreaded “back in the day” expression is spoken, which probably makes younger members of the organization cringe, grind their teeth and flat out ignore them.
While leaders may show physical traits of an older person such as grayish hair and some wrinkles, ‘forward thinking’ leaders will not be viewed as ‘old’ by younger subordinates, especially in mind and spirit, because they are always looking toward the future.
Speaking about how great things were in the ‘good ole days’ does officially make the leader the ‘old person’ in the room. While the past is important, always referring to it doesn’t help improve your organization’s future and will flat out annoy your workforce.
Leaders have to realize that times do change, and they must change with them or get left behind. Breaking some of these habits can be difficult, but truly effective leaders are not afraid to adapt to a new era.
It’s time to start thinking that TODAY is your day! It’s time to retire the saying “back in the day.”
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