Today it seems everyone is talking about Legacy Leadership but I wonder is the meaning of Legacy truly understood? Webster’s dictionary defines legacy as, “anything handed down from the past, as from an ancestor or predecessor.”
We often think in terms of the past to define Legacy but legacy is not restricted to time spent. It is actually built ‘in the moment’. It is in the day-to-day experiences and decisions that are made that define a leader’s legacy.
Legacy Leadership is not defined at the end of a career but rather it is built in the now; in the moment. Not a future event, instead, it is a reflection of who you are in your daily influence.
It is defined:
In the moment …. of decisions made.
In the moment …. of disappointment.
In the moment …. of your care and concern for others.
In the moment …. of choices made.
In the moment …. of the responsibility you take.
In the moment …. of your courage and the risks.
In the moment …. that reflects your integrity.
Legacy Leadership is modeled ‘in the moment’, which ultimately defines its culture. Mary Kay Ash was truly a Legacy Leader and the
strength of her Leadership can be defined with 2 words; Courage and Conviction.
She was truly a courageous woman in a ‘man’s world’. She was ready to take the lead in pursuit of her dream and dared to ‘continue-on’ despite the fact that her financial and legal advisors were against her decision, telling her she would fail. She courageously followed her dream anyway! Legacy Leaders are those who “Do it anyway”.
Think of Steve Jobs and the set-backs he had to encounter in pursuit of his dream but he courageously continued and went on to make history. Leaders know what they want to accomplish and with their daily actions and decisions they create the model of their Legacy.
The 2nd word that comes to mind when I think of Legacy is Conviction. Legacy Leaders believe deeply in their mission…. the doubters do not affect them. The doubt of others pales in comparison to the depth of the belief of the Leader. A Legacy Leader models great strength in the conviction of their mission.
To me, Legacy Leadership is a reflection of not only what is done during a career but the example of how it is done. Of the integrity, care and concern for others. Your values and your sense of responsibility model the way things should be done. It is the establishment of traditions that can be passed on to future generations.
“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.” – John Q. Adams
Glen Llopis explains it beautifully: “Leaders who feel stuck in their careers are those that care more about recognition than respect. It is not until leaders desire to be significant that they discover the true meaning of leadership and legacy building. When this moment is realized, the lens that you see through becomes crystal clear; you begin to understand that being accountable for the advancement and success of others will ultimately define your significance as a leader”.
What does Legacy mean to you? How will you define the legacy you want to create?
“What counts in life is not the mere fact we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lived.” – Nelson Mandela
Having a dream and setting goals brings life Alive!
Thank you Mary Kay!
Thank you Barbara Sunden!
Love the kessons! ….. encouraging me at long last to promote myself, in order to encourage more women, and let them understand it is NEVER too late …..