What legacy really means?

?Legacy.

1 :?a gift by will especially of money or other personal property?: bequest She left us a legacy of a million dollars.

2 : something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past the legacy of the ancient philosophers The war left a legacy of pain and suffering.

Those are the definition of Merriam-webster dictionary and could really tell what I was looking for.

Last week, I performed a technical Due Diligence as part of an acquisition transaction of an engineering company. The owner, the seller was so intense on the discussion about his work legacy and when I ask what fears he has by selling his business, he answers:

“The fear to lose my moral responsibility on my creation and the people working in the company.”

I found it very much selfish, to be honest. His wishes is that the new buyer works and runs the company as he still alive, that nothing change and everything stays as it is.

Well what is the point to just transfer the property but continue to doing the same? Where the word advancement plays in this transaction? Where his legacy lives on?

I have to confess that I was puzzled on the beginning, specially because my perception of legacy is something totally different. It’s not about on what is let behind, but for me, in my humble definition, legacy is leaving a place in a better condition when it was took, initially.

The “selfish” legacy has a perspective that the past is important and liveable and must remain. The real meaning on legacy relies on the fact that the future is the focus and leaving the legacy means that we are looking ahead, improving every single day for something better.

Tony Robbins, an American author, coach, speaker, and philanthropist.? defines legacy as follows:?

A legacy is?a lasting impact on the world. It's a gift that is passed down through generations: money, property or even stories. It can also be a business – or the profits from a business, set up in a foundation or charity. Leaving a legacy means dreaming big and changing the world for the better.

His definition resonates more on me. As I mention, for me is about leaving a lasting impact, specially in the persons that cross your way in your personal or professional life.

In 2015, I read a book called Legacy (what else) from James Kerr telling the story about the All Blacks rugby teams. James explains in his books, 15 leadership lessons that led one of the worst rugby teams in New Zealand to be known as the biggest sport winner for all times.

If you haven read it, go buy it now. And to be clear, I don’t have an interest in book sales, but strong believe on the All Blacks cultural transformation history: A purpose driven approach.

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The 15 leadership lessons from All Blacks that defines their sports legacy are:

1. Character begins with humility and discipline.
2. Adapt: change your game when you are winning.
3. Purpose: know your why.
4. Responsibility: be a leader not a follower.
5. Learn as a teacher.????
6. Whanau which means the sacrifice of one makes the team bigger.
7. Expectations: aim for your highest point.
8. Preparation: train to win and practice under pressure.
9. Pressure: learn in silence, listen, embrace the pressure.
10. Authenticity: Know thyself and keep it real.
11. Sacrifice for a bigger cause.
12. Language: let your ears listen and write your beliefs.
13. Ritualize to actualize. Rituals creates culture.
14. Whakapapa: plant trees you will never see.
15. Legacy: write your history.

?If you look about those 15 lessons, that James writes in his book, it is all about the future. At any moment on the book, his is looking back on who is the best player on the team and how it help to the team success. He explains thought how the culture and values from the Maori people has strong roots on the culture that the All Blacks became.

?The legacy of all blacks leaves on their culture and purpose. Some of its values are represented in the Haka dance.?

The dance It is important because?it represents a display of a tribe's pride, strength and unity. The haka means "fierce dance". Nowadays the haka is performed during special ceremonies and is one of the highlights of any match involving New Zealand.

When I look back on the due diligence days, the legacy expected from the seller has nothing to do with the legacy I believe. And for me the word legacy is not selfish. It’s a powerful approach to leave a lasting impact and lead people that believe in your own cause.

It’s not about you, it’s about serving to others to make then feel better. And the day you leave, they still feeling better and fully grateful to have a chance to meet you in their lives. That’s in my own humble definition of Legacy and I'm glad to still talking with people that cross my life.

You have to ask yourself. What are the legacy I want to leave when I go? And what I’m doing to achieve this dream?

Two simple questions where the answer lies on you. On your attitude, your intentions and believes. As James wrote in his book, write everyday a chapter in peoples life, with dignity, passion and truth. And don’t expect anything else back besides peace in mind.

I leave a link to the Haka dance and history about the book, in case you want to learn more. It's well worth it. And please, start working on your legacy for your friends, family, co-workers and anyone that deserves your company.

My legacy in this world is to live to influence and educate people for an inspirational world of opportunities.

You can count on me.