Leadership Legacy: Defining the Future With Influence and Impact
Transformational leaders aspire to have a lasting influence that benefits future generations. This includes not only accomplishments, but also their character, principles, and relationships. A leadership legacy is the memorable and inspirational impact a leader leaves on those they influence and guide, extending for generations to come. Achieving this requires intentional effort. Every leader should consider the question: What legacy will I leave behind?
Todd was a manager who believed in the power of leadership from the heart. He nurtured a culture of collaboration and inclusion in his organization. Todd also encouraged growth and development by using every relevant interaction as a coaching opportunity. He often returned project reports to his employees with short handwritten notes of appreciation or encouragement at the bottom. The culture of his organization was empowering, making it a desirable place for every manager to work.
After Todd moved on, his legacy blossomed. Inspired by his memorable approach, his direct reports continued role-modeling his leadership style. They went on to be successful leaders themselves, leading organizations with outstanding results. Years later, I attended a retirement celebration for one of Todd’s direct reports. She became emotional as she explained how people had just described her impact with the same words she used to describe the impact Todd made after he left. Todd’s legacy remained strong and enduring.
Our leadership legacy is centered on focusing on the future while others prioritize short-term gains. Legacy is defined not just by our actions but also by our character, and the decisions we make, the impact we have on others, and the values we instill in those we influence. Even the smallest, daily choices that may seem unimportant play a role. It’s reflected in statements like, “He believed in me,” “He gave me an opportunity,” “She invested in my life,” and “I’m here because of her.”
The best time to consider the legacy we are creating is now, not later. Legacy gives the feeling of the end. Final assessment. It’s over. In reality, it relates to the present and the small things we do today that can impact the future. How we make others feel today can be remembered and talked about for years to come.
The Power of Leadership Legacy
Focusing on the type of leadership legacy you are crafting is essential for several reasons.
- Succession Planning: A strong legacy contributes to the future success of an organization. It helps future leaders with the continuity of a culture and vision developed by those moving on. One of a leaders most crucial responsibilities is preparing the next generation of leaders.
- Purpose: It helps you walk in your purpose. If you want to be known as a caring leader, you must develop relationships and live a life that positively impacts the lives of others throughout your career.
- Focus: Having clarity on the type of leader you aspire to be helps you prioritize what’s most important.
- Inspiration: Leaders with a path to a strong positive character inspire and motivate others to emulate their qualities such as resilience, courage, and compassion. This encourages ownership and commitment among team members.
Defining the leader you want to be and taking the appropriate steps to achieve that vision is a powerful way to shape the influence and impact you want to have on the future.
Cultivating Your Leadership Legacy
Creating a leadership legacy that impacts generations to come takes intentionality and commitment. Here are a few strategies a leader can use to develop a strong legacy.
- Purpose: Start with your mission statement. If you don’t have a defined personal mission statement, or clear purpose, now is a good time to develop one. Follow this to learn how. You will be more successful if your legacy is connected to your defined purpose. Take time to brainstorm possible legacy-building directions you want to take to impact others or your business.
- Impact: Think of the greatest impact you want to make. Is it technical, organizational, innovative, cultural, or artistic? Reflect on the lasting impact you wish to have on your people and organization. Consider what you want to achieve and who you aspire to be. Document your thoughts. Impact is the physical result you leave that opens the door to others.
- Character: Understand your core values and guiding principles that shape your character. These should be evident in your daily decisions and practices.
- Relationships: Build authentic relationships versus simply seeking the benefits they bring. Transactional relationships do not build legacies. Invest in others through mentoring, coaching, and sponsoring. Legacy cannot be built without others carrying on your impact and reputation. Reputation is a foundation for legacy.
- Role-Model: Lead by example by embodying your legacy every day, defining the culture you want, and inspiring others. Every decision you make contributes to your legacy. This requires you to be thoughtful about your choices.
These are the keys to developing a lasting and impactful legacy. It’s crucial for us to contemplate the legacy we are creating which will follow us long after we are gone.
Leadership legacy is a powerful concept that transcends generations and extends your impact and influence into the future. The legacy you leave will be carried by those you influenced. It will be developed through who you are (your character and purpose), what you do (your impact and role model), and who you inspire (relationships.) You can develop a meaningful and enduring legacy that is the building block for the future and a cornerstone for future success.
Empowered Leader Reflection
How are you enabling others to carry your vision, values, and influence forward?
If this resonated with you, would you share your thoughts with us below?
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