To establish A leader’s legacy, you will be leaving something of enduring quality behind for the people or organization you are leading.
Effective leadership can only occur when the leader strengthens other’s capacity to learn, understand, and implement from their learning.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
– Galatians 6:9.
Each of us needs to have our own Personal Legacy Statement. A personal legacy statement is simply your declaration of how you would like to live your life and the impact you want to have on others from an ethical standpoint. It’s different from goals, which are about achievements.
“Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.”
— Sheryl Sanberg, COO of Facebook
Typically, when people refer to leaving a legacy, they are referring to that in reference to what they can do at the end of their lives to make an impact. However, I strongly believe that your legacy will be measured not in one lump sum at the end of life but by what you do every day. Does that legacy include being a beacon for Jesus? If you recall the people that live in your heart, they have done something to touch you and it wasn’t at the end of their life but during their life. Think about the most influential people in your life, the ones who leave behind incredible legacies, you will never forget them.
When was the last time you took a moment and got curious about these basic questions? Are you walking the path God had planned for you?
- Who am I?
- What am I good at?
- What is my role in life?
- Am I living in my purpose?
- How can I be sure I am living the life I wanted?
- Am I influencing others in a positive manner?
- How do I want to be remembered?
“Management is doing the right thing; leadership is doing the right things.”
— Peter F. Drucker
The most powerful possible use of our lives is to spend it on something that will outlast us. It will live on long after we are gone from this life. The way to create a great leadership legacy is to find a way to carve your name on the hearts and minds of others. Help them create the stories that will make up your legacy.
Now is the time to make your mark and define yourself through these 6 pillars.
Confidence:
Confidence is a key factor in leaving a legacy. To be trusted as a leader you must exude confidence. No one is going to follow someone they don’t trust. In fact, confidence is more important than any skill or experience. Leaders don’t have to tell you they are leaders; they lead by example.
Character:
Many are so concerned about their reputation when in fact your character is who you are when no one is looking. Be true to your character and your leadership legacy will leave a long-lasting imprint.
Conduct:
If you want to leave a legacy, treat people with honor and respect. People recognize and remember those who treat them kindly, fairly, and with respect. Live by your own conduct code – that includes morals, standards, and values, then others will not question what you stand for and they will admire you for it.
“The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor but without folly.”
— Jim Rohn, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker
Choices:
Life consists of an endless number of choices. The choices add up to create your legacy. Always do your best to make the right decisions (even when no one is watching). Leave a leader legacy in your home with your family.
Consistency:
When you are consistent, day after day, in your words and actions – you build a positive legacy. Do you keep your word? Do you do what you say you will with a merry heart and in a timely manner? This makes you memorable when you stay consistent.
Compassion:
You are not born with compassion, but it grows from a sensitive heart trying to relate and connect with people. Our heavenly father admonishes us to be compassionate in this scripture: “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” 1 Peter 3:8
Confidence, character, conduct, choices, consistency, and compassion complete the 6 powerful pillars in creating and building your leadership legacy. What you do with all 6 are how you will be remembered. These 5 pillars are like the fruits of the spirit. It is all of them, not a pick and choice option.
A leadership legacy is not leaving something tangible for them, but it is leaving something priceless IN them.
