What will you leave behind as a leader? For many, the word legacy evokes thoughts of financial wealth, accolades, or achievements. However, true legacy transcends tangible rewards. As Pericles famously stated, “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”
Legacy is the emotional and professional imprint you leave on those you lead. It’s about how you made people feel, the growth you inspired, and the foundation you built for future success. In leadership, legacy is the ultimate measure of impact.
Why Legacy Matters More Than Ever In a fast-paced world driven by short-term results, it’s easy to lose sight of the long game. However, legacy is not just about looking back at your achievements it’s about being comfortable shaping a future you may not directly be in post for or a part of.
Leaders who focus on legacy create environments where others can thrive. They instil values, foster resilience, and inspire others to carry the mission forward long after their tenure. This emphasis on long-term impact not only strengthens organisations but also ensures personal fulfilment for the leader.
Examples of Legacy Driven Leaders
Siya Kolisi - As the first Black captain of South Africa’s rugby team, Kolisi’s leadership goes far beyond the pitch. He led the team to a World Cup victory, symbolising unity in a historically divided nation. Kolisi’s legacy is one of hope, inclusivity, and resilience, inspiring not just his teammates but an entire country.
Cathy Freeman - Freeman’s iconic gold medal win at the 2000 Sydney Olympics was a moment of national pride for Australia. As an Indigenous athlete, she became a symbol of reconciliation and empowerment, using her platform to inspire future generations of athletes and advocates.
John F. Kennedy - JFK’s vision for space exploration and civil rights defined his legacy. His leadership inspired a nation to believe in collective progress, proving that legacy is built on bold ideas and inclusive action.
10 Practical Strategies to Build your Leadership Legacy
Focus on People First: Your greatest legacy will always be the lives you impact. Prioritise the growth and well being of your team.
Foster Psychological Safety: Create an environment where every voice is heard and valued. Psychological safety encourages innovation and collaboration.
Actively Listen: Build trust by truly hearing your team’s concerns, ideas, and aspirations.
Give Autonomy: Empower your team to take ownership of their work and grow through their experiences.
Embrace Mistakes: Treat setbacks as learning opportunities, fostering resilience and innovation.
Celebrate Achievements: Recognise contributions with personal gestures, like handwritten notes.
Model Integrity: Consistency between your words and actions sets the foundation for trust and respect.
Build Resilience: Demonstrate composure and optimism during challenges, inspiring your team to follow suit.
Think Beyond the Present: Consider how your actions today will impact your organisation and people in five, ten, or twenty years.
Inspire Through Action: Your behaviour is your legacy. Live your values daily to set a lasting example for others to follow.
What Will Your Leadership Legacy Be? As leaders, we often focus on immediate results. But legacy challenges us to think bigger. It asks how will people remember you? What impact will you leave behind?
Please take time to reflect on your leadership legacy. The latest episode of The Lonely Leader Podcast (links below) is designed to aid that reflection. It will prompt you to ask questions such as:
Are you building a culture of trust and empowerment?
How are you helping others grow and succeed?
What actions can you take today to create a lasting impact?
Comments