Lessons and Legacy

On Day #1 of my Leadership Programs, participants are asked to reflect on where their leadership style comes from - who were the biggest influencers. On the final day of the program, they are asked to ponder what they want their leadership legacy to be.

I believe our leadership style and legacy are both impacted heavily by the lessons we have learned and our individual experiences.

Last Friday we laid to rest my beloved Aunty Gwen - a beautiful, strong woman who was one of the major influencers on my life. During her eulogy, I shared some of the lessons she taught me. These lessons and her example have helped define who I am and how I show up, particularly in the workplace.

1. Be Kind and Respectful to Everyone - She also said, this does not mean you should allow yourself to be taken advantage of or be disrespected.
2. Stay Connected with People and Value Relationships - Relationships enrich our lives in so many ways. Aunty Gwen had friendships that spanned over 70 years!
3. Regardless of how you're feeling, you sometimes have to put on your best face, show up and get on with it! - One of the tough parts of leadership means you often have to do exactly this for your team.
4. Be Honest, Don't Play Games - This builds trust. People always know where they stand with you.
5. Be Organised and Plan for what you can - This can significantly reduce stress.
6. Know when to accept it is what is - Don't waste energy fussing about the things beyond your control.
7. Have a Gratitude Attitude - Even on her toughest days, she still found joy in, and was grateful for, the small things, whether it was noticing a new leaf on a plant, a bird in the tree or her interactions with the staff in the supermarket.

During her 89 years, my Aunty Gwen impacted positively on so many lives. In her working years, she was a natural leader who was willingly followed. She was never a CEO, she wasn't famous or worldly, but she left a powerful legacy behind. In the past week, the outpouring of love and respect from those who knew her was incredible - from past co-workers to the staff at the nursing home, and the shops in the town where she lived.

How we show up matters.

What Legacy will you leave?