Last weekend, we celebrated my mom’s 80th birthday. With some thirty or so friends and family from all across the country, we raised the glass and wished her a happy birthday. Mom had prepared a little speech in which she thanked everyone for being here, being part of this celebratory moment. There was one little phrase in her speech that really struck a chord with me. “
You think you remain the same; it’s often by only looking at the yo9unger generations you realize that time ticks for everyone. The advantage of getting older is that you can look back three generations, but also, more importantly, see two generations ahead. You’re all a piece of my life and I share a wide variety of memories with each and every one of you. I thank you in advance for this golden memory we’re creating today.”
Throughout my life, I’ve had many people that influenced me, taught me and guided me to the man I am today. I consider these people to be leaders – walking their talk and leading by example. For many of us, leadership isn’t something you’re aiming for, it’s something you develop. It’s something you craft as a life skill because of your experiences. You’ve first became the leader for yourself, and then for others.
How we lead is a personal choice. Like a unique flavor, constructed by a mix of ingredients such as our own values and beliefs, our communication style and personality, and influences from others, like the people that impacted our lives in a significant way. Every leader has their own leadership style.
Whether you’re a leader in your organization or you’re one in your relationships or family, you will have an impact on others. I state this explicitly, because for many, the thought that our words and actions have a lasting impact on others is one we rarely take into consideration. Over time, we build up our legacy by the way we lead, communicate, interact and relate to others – and rarely, we take a moment to think about how we would like to have that legacy look like.
The nuts and bolts of legacy
“Of course, nobody ever thinks about their legacy – that’s for old folks or people who have no more time to really change it.” Yes, I hear you. Why should one think about their legacy when they’re still in the prime of their life? When the tank is full and the pedal’s to the metal. Well, other than the obvious reason that life could be over for anyone in a moment – and don’t get me started on the risks extremely busy professionals have regarding their health; chronic stress and heart attacks are amongst the highest for this group. No, it’s also something you might want to consider living by. Who you are as a person, not just a leader for others, but as a leader for yourself.
Legacy is constructed of several building block. Check them for yourself and see how you see yourself based on these building blocks.
Values and Principles
A strong legacy is built on a foundation of core values and principles. These are the guiding beliefs that define how someone conducts themselves and makes decisions. A legacy reflects the adherence to these values over time.
Vision and Purpose
A clear and inspiring vision or mission statement plays a critical role in shaping a legacy. It defines what someone aims to achieve and provides a sense of purpose that motivates actions and decisions.
Leadership and People
Effective leaders are instrumental in creating a legacy. Their ability to inspire, guide, and empower others is a key factor in the long-term success and impact of an organization or individual.
Innovation and Adaptability
Legacies often result from the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and drive innovation. Embracing change and constantly seeking new and improved ways of doing things can lead to a lasting impact.
Quality and Excellence
Maintaining high standards of quality and excellence in products, services, or actions is a hallmark of a strong legacy. Consistency in delivering excellence is key.
Ethics and Integrity
Building a legacy requires a commitment to ethical behavior and integrity. Trust is crucial, and reputations can be easily tarnished by unethical actions.
Community and Social Impact
A legacy often includes the positive impact someone has on the broader community or society. This can involve philanthropy, community involvement, or initiatives that promote social good.
Sustainability
A sustainable approach to business practices, environmental responsibility, and the long-term well-being of others (and organizations) are increasingly seen as important components of a legacy.
Mentorship and Succession Planning
Preparing the next generation of leaders and passing on knowledge and experience is a key element in ensuring the continuity of a legacy.
Storytelling and Communication
Effective communication and storytelling help in shaping and preserving a legacy. Documenting achievements, sharing stories, and articulating the impact are crucial for how a legacy is remembered.
Endurance and Resilience
A legacy often endures through challenges and setbacks. The ability to persevere and overcome adversity is part of what makes a legacy strong.
Documented Achievements
Legacies are often associated with a track record of accomplishments, awards, and recognition. These tangible markers serve as evidence of a legacy's impact.
Cultural and Historical Relevance
Some legacies become deeply woven into the culture and history of a region, industry, or society, creating a lasting impact that transcends time.
Influence and Inspiration
A lasting legacy has the power to inspire others to follow in the same path or adopt similar values and principles, extending its reach even further.
Legacy Planning
Deliberate efforts to plan and shape one's legacy, including setting goals, making a deliberate impact, and ensuring a legacy's continuity, are important for executive leaders.
As you can see, there are quite a few elements of what a legacy consists of. Now, I’m not asking you to take each of these points, make a to-do list out of them and start working on them. I want you to think about what your legacy is at this moment, if you were to celebrate your 80th birthday and look back on your life and ask people how they see you.
The good news is that you’re not 80 years old yet. That means, there’s still time. Time to develop, to grow, to make the changes you want or even feel you need to make to become that person you want to be. Whether that’s in your career or your personal life or relationship with your kids.
How do you want them to see you?
What is the legacy you want them to tell others about you?
Pick one thing from this list. Just one. Think about it. Ponder and play with it in your mind for a while. Let it inspire you to be a better leader for yourself as well as for others, so that when you’re celebrating your 80thand you raise the glass with your friends and family, you know that no matter how many years there are still in you, you’re already a living legacy.
To your success,
Robert
