Leaving Behind More Than Footprints: Building Your Legacy

Have you ever noticed that once you hear something, it seems to come up everywhere you go? 

This is what has been happening to me recently with discussions about legacy. 

It is an obvious theme with more senior executives looking to transition out of their careers, but surprisingly also with younger professionals who want to ensure the value of what they do goes beyond the tasks they perform and the time they spend in a company.

"The only thing that will redeem mankind is cooperation." - Bertrand Russell

These conversations aren't about great promotions, projects and worked hours—it’s about the lasting impact our careers can have beyond individual achievements. Legacy comes from our ability to collaborate and work together towards shared goals; it’s about leaving something behind that extends beyond ourselves and our capabilities.

So, what is Legacy?

Legacy is often associated with DNA continuity, but it extends to the intangible footprints we leave on the world. Our daily influence, values, and contributions persist where we are no longer there leading them on.

Legacy is about our Impact on our Communities—from your family, your friends, and neighbours, through volunteer work, or simply being a positive force, every small action contributes to a larger narrative.

Conversations About Legacy

When we start discussing work legacies, the answers are more blurry. Speaking with seasoned professionals and CEOs considering their exit strategies, legacy is a recurring theme:

• What am I leaving behind?

• What value have I created?

• Will my legacy endure after I’m gone?

If you ask yourself those questions now, or at any stage in your past career, would you know how to answer? How would this shape the decisions and actions in your professional journey?

If the answer to those questions is not always easy, there are some guiding principles that can guide you to build a Legacy at Work:

1. Lead with Integrity and Vision: Set a positive example by aligning your actions with your values. Integrity and vision are foundational to building trust and fostering a culture of excellence.

2. Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: Invest in the growth of others through mentorship and sharing your expertise. Empowering colleagues contributes to a legacy of continuous learning and development.

3. Innovate for Impact: Seek opportunities to innovate and drive positive change within your role and organization. Innovation fuels growth and positions you as a catalyst for progress.

4. Community Engagement and Social Responsibility: Extend your influence beyond the workplace by engaging in CSR initiatives and supporting community causes. Contributing to society enhances your legacy as a socially responsible leader.

5. Innovate and Improve: Strive for continuous improvement and encourage innovation. Your contributions to processes, products, or services can become lasting benchmarks in your field.

Actionable Steps to Build Your Legacy:

• Reflect on Your Values: Identify the core values that drive you. Ensure your actions align with these principles.

• Set Long-Term Goals: Define what you want to achieve in the long run. Outline the steps needed to reach these goals.

• Engage with Your Community: Find ways to contribute to your community, both within and outside of work. Volunteer, participate in local events, and support initiatives that resonate with you.

• Document Your Journey: Keep a journal of your achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. This documentation can serve as a guide for others and a testament to your efforts.

• Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate the small milestones on your journey. Each step forward contributes to your larger legacy.

Legacy is not just about grand gestures or monumental achievements; it’s about your everyday actions and decisions.

And if you ever feel overwhelmed by the pressure of what you want to leave behind, remember this: your work is never finished; you are just a part of the work that will be continued by someone else.

All the best,

Serena

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