Leaving a legacy is more about being a person others admire than your work accomplishments

A tale of two political leaders

Ronald Reagan was the 40th President of the United States from 1981 – 1989. He presided over the ending of the Cold War and the dismantling of the Berlin Wall. He was strong and principled and like all politicians, had many political opponents. Yet he did not take political opposition personally. Opponents, like then Democratic Speaker of the House, Tip O’Neill, found it difficult to hate him. Though they held differing views, they became firm friends. He was a very likable man who took an interest in people’s lives, no matter who they were. White House staff wept when the Reagans left for the last time in 1989. He treated the staff with the same respect he gave important foreign dignitaries. He seemed to be very secure in himself, and to genuinely like people. He helped the American people to feel good about themselves again, after the disaster of Nixon’s Watergate and Iran hostage crisis during Jimmy Carter’s Presidency.

Contrast this with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd whose first term was cut short by his own Cabinet team, partly because they found it intolerable to work with him. He often became frustrated and lost his temper, spoke angrily to colleagues and staffers, and set people around him on edge. He was like a one-man whirlwind who would often make decisions on the run. His own Cabinet found it difficult, and eventually, impossible to work with him. This gave cause for his political opponents to have him ousted, even though he had led the Labor Party to government at an election. Since that time, Rudd has had many roles but has never ascended to the heights his considerable skills and ambitions might have enabled.

How will people remember you?

When you have been passionate about your work, worked hard, always tried to make a difference, it can be difficult to think about life after work. I have interviewed several CEOs of various sized companies and most found my questions about what it might look like to finish well quite confronting. They were all busy, fully engaged, loving their work, and enjoying the benefits of a well remunerated position. Most admitted their identity was very much wrapped up in their role. They did not quite know how to think about who they would be without their work role.

What does it mean to finish well? In work? And in life?

The dreadful reality is that in any role in a company you are replaceable. The work you do can and will be done by others. Therefore, your legacy will rarely be about the great work you have done. Someone will succeed you, and eventually someone will outperform you.

Like Ronald Reagan or Kevin Rudd, the legacy you leave behind is much more about the person you were and how you made people feel after spending time with you.

Noone is perfect. Reagan made some big mistakes while President like allowing the Iran – Contra arms deal happen. Rudd did some great things, like the Aboriginal Apology. However, his legacy will be forever tarnished by his poor behaviour and the lack of respect he showed those closest to him.

The legacy I want to leave

Few people live lives that impact millions. For most, a great legacy is more about the impact you had on those who knew you well – your family and your close friends and colleagues. You are far less likely to be replaceable as a father or mother, a brother or sister, or husband or wife. If those who know you best, respect you least, it is rare that you will finish well in work, or in life.

I want to leave a legacy of positive memories. Of good character. Of working hard. Of being true to my word. Of treating people with respect and dignity. Of being genuine and humble. Of being able to admit when I made a mistake. Of working through relationship problems especially with those close to me. Of showing how to address and make good the mistakes I have made in life. Of sharing credit and lifting those around me to be better. Of caring for the people, I serve. A legacy of helping the people around me feel valued as a person, much more than anything I may gain from them or through them. Of being a life-long learner. A legacy of being an example of how to live life into older age.

I think you get what I am saying.

I am currently writing a book entitled Finishing Well. Lessons I learned from my father who turned his life around in the last 25 years he was alive, and created a wonderful legacy for his family and all those who knew him.

If you would like to think through where you are at in life and need to talk with someone to help you think about how you can finish well and leave a lasting legacy, I would love to have a conversation with you. Click here to find a time that works for both of us.

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Here are a few of my favourites to help you integrate your work into all other parts of your life.

• Understanding the seasons of life
• 7 Reasons you might not finish well
• Your attitude determines whether you finish well in life