When you think of legacy, what do you think of?
Philanthropy?
Something that you have built at an organization?
Money you have helped others make?
Statues and monuments?
Your children?
Having changed the life of another?
I think of passing on a sense of self-determination. That you get to realize where you want to go, who you want to go there with, and that you got to decide to pick up your feet and go there. Think about leading humans.
Many humans are comfortable working with "top-down" managers.
"The boss tells me what to do, I do what the boss says. We don't question the boss."
But I don't lead that way, and I hate being led that way. Instead, my leadership style is to help my team realize,
"You get to choose where we will go, and I will have your back. What are you afraid of? Take the step."
The legacy I am leaving behind is helping people realize that they could do something worth something for someone else if only they had the guts to do it. I am proud when I see those people move into leadership roles, take on mentees, and move into something bigger and better for themselves - and those they seek to serve.
For me - that's legacy. That's the sense about life I am proud to have left behind.
If you could leave behind a sense about something, what would it be?
