Your Leadership Legacy

Your Legacy Starts On Day One!

We often think of our legacy as something others will decide in the future. The truth is, our legacy is ever evolving in the present. What we do on a day-to-day basis sets the foundation upon which our legacy is constructed. It is important then to recognize the consequences of today’s decisions and their impact on how history will record our effectiveness as a leader. 

In his book, Right Thing Right Now, Ryan Holiday reminds us of President Harry Truman’s personal code of conduct, “If it is not right, don’t do it.” This guidance from the man who made arguably the most difficult decision in history regarding use of the Atomic Bomb, is as prescient today as it was in August of 1945. President Truman’s actions earned him the reputation as a pragmatic leader who knew what right looked like and conducted himself in a manner that reminded the world that a leader must sometimes choose the hard right over the easy wrong. In the end, our leadership legacy is measured by the impact we have on the lives of those we encounter in our organization when we have the privilege to influence from a position of leadership.

Set Yourself Up Now For Success Later

A leader’s reputation is earned long before pinning on a particular rank. From the moment someone joins an organization, their conduct is being evaluated by those with whom they serve. Superiors, peers, and subordinates continuously make judgements of an individual’s competence and trustworthiness. The manner in which one continually comports themselves on and off duty contributes to their professional reputation. One principle that is true in all professional pursuits is that the reputation you develop early on will follow you regardless of where your career takes you. 

At the beginning stage of a person’s career, the opportunity to take on added responsibility is impacted to a great degree by the reputation they develop. Ideally, a prospective leader strives to be recognized as selfless and as somebody who gets things done. They are authentic in their actions and conduct themselves in a manner that benefits the organization and enhance the lives of those around them. Conversely, if an employee conducts themselves in a manner that is less than honorable, cuts corners, and demonstrates a self-centered motivation, the negative impact on their reputation is long lasting.

Effort and Commitment Impact Your Legacy

Commitment to personal and professional bearing above reproach insulates those who eventually ascend to a leadership position from indictments by co-workers of, “I remember when you did….” or “You have forgotten where you came from.”  If you conduct yourself in a consistently honorable manner, your reputation shields you from these predictable frivolous claims by those who for one reason or another wish to tarnish your reputation and stifle your growth. Your reputation will always precede you as you climb the organizational ladder. It will act as a catalyst or roadblock for your success. If as a leader you expect a level of effort and commitment from your subordinates that you were unable or unwilling to give, your likelihood of success is made more difficult.

Do What is Right Always, and Do It Well

Operationally, a leader’s reputation is impacted to an important degree by their demonstrated competency to do the job. If during the early stage of their career a leader demonstrates that he or she is committed to enhanced learning, humility of purpose, professionalism, and selfless service to others, a strong reputation is earned. Excelling in these qualities contributes positively to your legacy.  

As a person advances to a position of leadership, their reputation is held up by an unyielding dedication to their subordinates and organizational success. Leadership capacity is not measured by what the leader can do for themselves. Rather, leaders are ultimately judged by their ability to influence others to be the best version of themselves. A strong commitment to being a professional from the very start increases the leader’s ability to make a positive contribution to organizational success. Additionally, leaders must never underestimate the power of extolling gratitude, giving encouragement, and showing kindness to those they wish to influence. People are more likely to follow a leader that they believe cares about them and their personal success.

Learn Your Job, Then Make Your Job Better

When I was a young police officer, I was given great advice which guided me throughout my decades of service. Soon after graduating from the Massachusetts State Police Academy, I returned to the academy for follow-on training during my Field Training period. During a class break, the Lieutenant instructing the class shared this advice, “The first half of your career, learn the job, the second half of your career, make the job better.” The message seemed simple at the time; however, the power of that admonition guided my decision making for the next 30 years. As I talk to leaders across the country, I often share this message. The people I encounter are at various points in their careers, but the message is relevant regardless of which part of the journey they are on.

Your Legacy Awaits You Today

Your leadership legacy is inescapably tied to the reputation you develop beginning the day you enter your profession. The authenticity with which you accomplish the various tasks and understand the complexities of your chosen profession requires unyielding determination and resiliency. There are no shortcuts to attaining the knowledge and practical skills essential for high achievement as leader in any endeavor. It is devotion to this unbending level of effort and commitment that allows a leader to inspire others and develop them to a point that guarantees sustained greatness, even after the leader is gone. This is the essence of an esteemed "Leadership Legacy."

What Will Your Leadership Legacy Be?

- Dan Richard (Guest Blogger | LHLN Instructor | Former Lieutenant Colonel)