Creating a Leadership Legacy

It is easy for leaders to get caught up in the day-to-day work of putting out fires. At times, acting with purpose and creating meaningful impact can be pushed to the sidelines.

A question that I like to ask leaders is: What will your legacy be? How will you be remembered by your team? By your organization and key stakeholders?

We are now beginning a new decade — an ideal time for leaders to set their sights higher and imagine just what they might accomplish in the years to come.

There are many ways to create legacy, but I like to divide them into two categories, The Big Ways and The Small Ways.

The Big Ways

Are you thinking big enough to create a lasting impact? What can you accomplish that hasn’t been done before? What difference can you make in your community, in your industry? Can you add to the Intellectual property of your profession? In this category, leaders drive large visionary projects that may include creating new organizations, leading new capital projects, and/or building new infrastructure. Leaders may be entering new markets or introducing new business lines that have a positive lasting effect. They also may be advancing philanthropic causes. I include in this category “breaking glass ceilings” — for any demographic. FIRSTS are BIG because they allow others to know they can do it too.

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The Small Ways

In this category, legacy is created by the day-to-day work of being a good leader. How you make people feel, and how you create opportunity for others will always be remembered. Together with your ability to listen and your ability to serve others, an important impact will be made. Some of the small ways are just BIG ways in disguise.

Creating a legacy is not about ego or having the most followers. It is about knowing your purpose as a leader, how you add value and what impact you make on people, the larger organization and the community it serves.

Think about what you want to accomplish as a leader in both big and small ways. Take advantage of your leadership position to drive positive change in a meaningful way. Make your leadership time count!

Reach out to me if this is an area you’d like to explore further and you wish to craft your leadership legacy.

For other thoughts on leadership, visit here.

 

 

Sandra Hokansson

Sandra Hokansson
Sandi Hokansson is a certified executive-level coach and principal of SoundLeadership. Reach her at sandi (at) soundleadership (dot) ca.

Sandra Hokansson

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