Your leadership legacy is defined by the positive impact you make on others, one that continues to shape their lives and careers long after you’ve moved on. It sits at the intersection of your values, your unique talents and gifts, and others’ needs. You may be thinking about your legacy, but what can you do to ensure you’re actually building your intended legacy?
Here are some thoughts:
1. Know Your Why.
Being clear on your values, drivers, and purpose as a leader will help you lead authentically. This may take some time, reflection, and maturity as a leader. Often, individuals find a coach or trusted advisor helpful in sorting out what truly matters to them and why. Once your values, drivers, and purpose are clear to you, be sure to share your “why” with others, especially your team.
2. Create a Culture of Trust.
Being an authentic leader sometimes means being transparent and vulnerable with people. As a leader, you need to be willing to do that and also willing to hold a space for others to do that. Fostering an environment of transparency, openness, and honesty will ensure that others know they can trust you. Without trust, it is difficult to build strong relationships and work effectively, and your leadership legacy will suffer.
3. Focus on Development.
Imagine the sense of fulfillment and pride you’ll feel as you watch your team members achieve their full potential, both as professionals and as human beings. By offering opportunities, learning, and guidance to help them grow, you’re not only making a difference in their lives, but you’re also building a team of capable, confident leaders who will carry on your legacy.
4. Lead by Example.
You’ve heard it before. People are watching you, and actions speak louder than words. This means staying true to your values, even – or especially – when it feels difficult. Be accountable, responsible, and lead with integrity. When leaders lead by example, those actions can become institutionalized and carried forward by future generations of leaders within the organization, leading to a leadership legacy that remains beyond your time and/or the current leadership team.
5. Be Humble.
Leaders who are humble are more likely to be successful in the long term because they are approachable, empathetic, and open to feedback and learning. Being humble means recognizing that you don’t have all the answers and seeking input and feedback from your team members. It also means being willing to give credit to others and share the spotlight, which fosters a sense of unity and collaboration within the team.
As a leader, you have the power to create a legacy that transcends your time in the role. By knowing your values, creating a culture of trust, focusing on development, leading by example, and being humble, you can inspire and empower your team members to achieve their full potential. The legacy you create will live on through those you have influenced, and the positive impact you have made on their lives and careers can be greater than any bullet point on a resume.