What is the LEGACY you hope to leave from your life?
If you’re like me, that question may prompt you to take a significant pause so you can reflect before responding.
There are many ways we can evaluate this.
- Relationships
- Career
- Family
- Faith
- Making a positive impact in our communities and the world
I heard an interview recently on this topic and there was a comment that strongly resonated with me. Our legacy shouldn’t be what we leave for people (i.e. material possessions), but rather what we leave IN them.
- How did we make an impact in their life?
- How did this touch them and affect them in a positive way?
- How will they remember us?
- How have we inspired them to be the best version of themselves?
When you think about your personal legacy, ponder what the most important people in your life would say to describe your life in 1-2 sentences.
Are you happy with those reflections, or is it time to course correct and make a change?
When I did my own reflection, I recognized that most people in my personal relationships would describe me as someone who deeply cares, listens, and is a “go to” resource if they are going through a tough time and need support. They would also talk about how important my family and my faith are to me.
My personal legacy is in alignment with what I hope for it to be, so I don’t see a need to course correct at this time, but I will continue to invest in and prioritize these relationships in my daily life.
If you asked your closest friends and family members today, what do you think they would say about you?
Leadership Legacy
Now let’s consider for a moment the legacy you will leave as a leader.
- How many team members have progressed and grown through your guidance and example?
- How have your employees been able to experience meaning and fulfillment in their work, and a greater understanding of how they help achieve the organization’s vision?
- How have you helped develop future leaders who can also serve others and leave a lasting impact?
- Are there any employees who would mention you as the most inspiring leader of their career?
I met the most inspiring leader of my career in 2003 when I was an intern at Harley-Davidson. This leader was incredibly personal and always took the time to make eye contact, listen with curiosity, and make each person in the room feel truly heard. It didn’t matter how high of a position this leader obtained in the organization, they always remembered each employee’s name and made them feel truly appreciated for their contributions. To this day I have never interacted with another leader who left such a strong impression on me.
Each day we have the opportunity to influence and impact others in both positive and negative ways. What is the lasting impact you are leaving through these interactions?
If you consider the legacy you are leaving now, versus what you would like it to be in the future, how much of a gap do you need to close and when are you going to take action?
Start today. Let’s live each day with intention and identify the things that truly matter. You have an opportunity to lift up others around you. Don’t miss it.
If you recognize a need to explore further to truly understand the legacy you want to leave through your life and your leadership, I highly encourage you to pursue coaching. As both a Leadership and a Life Coach, I will help guide you through the exploration and the “messy middle” to clarity and meaningful actions on the other side.
Coaching has the power to change your life.
Interested in learning more? Let’s have a conversation about how I can support you with leaving the lasting impact and the legacy you truly desire.
(262) 225-3268
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