Begin With the End in Mind!

Welcome to our newsletter series on John Addison's Real Leadership. To kick off our journey, let's borrow from Franklin Covey's second habit: "Begin with the End in Mind." When you consider your leadership journey, it's crucial to reflect on the legacy you want to leave behind. What do you want to be remembered for? When the dust settles and your career is a collection of memories, what stories do you hope people will talk about you? By starting with this vision of your desired legacy, you can reverse-engineer the steps needed to get there. In this first edition, we explore how defining who you are and what you stand for shapes your path to becoming a true leader. ????

“Be a light, not a judge. Be a model, not a critic.” ―?Stephen Covey

Let's imagine a scene where you're on your deathbed, surrounded by those you've influenced throughout your life. As you reflect on your journey, you begin to hear the words of those around you—words that reflect the impact you've had as a leader and as a person. These are the moments that define your legacy, and they can guide the way you lead today.

Picture this: You're lying in a quiet room, surrounded by people whose lives you've touched. The atmosphere is calm, but it's filled with a sense of deep respect and gratitude. As people take turns speaking, you hear stories and sentiments that reflect who you were and how you chose to live.

Someone says, "You always made everyone feel valued, no matter their role or background. You had a way of making us believe in ourselves and our abilities. You saw potential in everyone, and that made all the difference." ??

Another person adds, "You were a leader who truly cared, not just about results, but about people. You listened, encouraged, and stood by us even when things got tough. You never compromised on integrity, and that taught us so much." ??

Someone else recalls, "You had this remarkable ability to bring people together. You created a culture where everyone felt like they belonged. You encouraged collaboration, and you weren't afraid to share the spotlight. Because of you, we became a team." ??

As you listen, you realize that these words reflect the principles of real leadership. You hear about how you inspired others, not through grand gestures, but through your everyday actions and choices. It's not about the titles you held or the accolades you received—it's about the impact you had on those around you.

A close friend speaks up, "You were genuine, always true to yourself. You didn't pretend to be someone you weren't, and that authenticity was inspiring. You showed us that being a leader isn't about perfection—it's about being human." ??

Another voice adds, "You dared to make difficult decisions, even when they weren't popular. But you always did what you believed was right. You led by example, and we followed because we trusted you." ??

As the words of those around you sink in, you understand that real leadership is about the legacy you leave behind. It's about your positive impact on people and how you make them feel. It's about being authentic, leading with integrity, and inspiring others to be their best selves.

These are the stories that matter, the ones that define your leadership journey. So, as you reflect on your path, consider the kind of impact you want to have. What stories would you like to hear from those around you? How can you start creating that legacy today? ??