What Legacy Will You Create?

My father-in-law, Neal Ham, was the CEO of a community bank, and he loved the fact that the bank gave him a platform to help people, support businesses and contribute to the growth in his surrounding community.

After he passed away, my mother-in-law received a call from a total stranger. This man told her a story she had never heard concerning her late husband.

Many years previous, this man was trying to break out of poverty and make a different life for himself. He needed a $2,000 loan to launch a business endeavor he felt he could make work. After being laughed out of several banks, he went to see my father-in-law.

Mr. Ham listened to this young man’s story and immediately knew there was absolutely no business justification for taking this loan application to the bank’s Loan Committee. But rather than send this man away empty-handed, he reached into his drawer, pulled out his checkbook and wrote this total stranger a personal check for $2,000.

With more conviction than ever, the young man left that bank and set off to build his business, which turned out to be a success. More than a year later, he walked into Mr. Ham’s office with a check to repay his loan. My father-in-law congratulated him on his success and told him to keep the money and use it to help someone else.

I don’t know about you, but I have found that story to be both incredibly moving and terribly convicting.

One day, I sat down and started reflecting on my life to date. I could remember the titles I had accumulated, as well as the dates of all my promotions with their corresponding pay raises.

But how many lives had I touched?

No matter what stage of life you are in, a legacy with purpose is something you should start thinking about today. The following four steps will help you be more intentional about the legacy you will leave in the future:

1. Do a “legacy assessment”
   The fact is, you already have a legacy! How cool is that? Most of us have no idea how much our lives have made a difference and how many people we have helped along the way.
   
   
   I was speaking with Sarah Dahlgren, who recently announced her retirement from an amazing 25-year career with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. In a press release, the bank had the following to say about Sarah:
   
   “Sarah has been tireless in her service to the Bank and she has accomplished much during her long and distinguished tenure. She has never been afraid to take on the most difficult assignments and has done so with the highest levels of professionalism, integrity and dedication to public service.”
   
   Sarah told me that after she announced her retirement, she was amazed at the number of calls and messages she got from so many people thanking her for all she had done for them and the bank.
   
   After our discussion, I went back and looked at several emails I received after I left a position. One email I uncovered written in 2004 read, “You have always been a shining example to me for what a truly inspirational, values-driven and passionate leader should be.” Wow, was that super encouraging!
   
   There are people all around you who have amazing insights into the legacy you are leaving. Have you been paying attention? Conduct your own legacy assessment with your family, friends and colleagues. Go back and read notes in cards, emails and posts that you might have forgotten or been too busy at the time to fully embrace. Or ask others you know well to be a part of your survey. You will find the results to be incredibly uplifting!
    
2. Do a “legacy reassessment”
   Now that you know that you have a legacy, it is time to think about how you want to build on that legacy. Are you living your life intentionally, in a way that positively and uniquely impacts those around you?
   
   A very good friend of mine wrote me a letter a few years ago. In it, he asked me to reflect on how I define success. He went on to write, “Will it be through spreadsheets? Will it be through financials? Will it be through praise and recognition? Or will it be through how well your customer has been served; how well your colleague has been served; is the workplace safe for people to ask questions and grow?” Needless to say, that letter really challenged my thinking about success and legacy.
   
   Think about what you want to be remembered for, be intentional and true to that person and continue to build your legacy!
   
   
3. Know what fires you up in a good way — and know what breaks your heart!
   One day, I sat down and recorded those things that get me the most excited and reflected on the situations in my life that have disturbed me the most. I then decided to be more intentional at ensuring that my time, energy and money were directed toward pursuing my passions and learned experiences.
   
   I have a passion for purpose, and I enjoy writing and speaking about the power and science of purpose. I have a passion for adventure, and I love sharing wild experiences with many of my family and friends. I also have extreme passion for my family.
   
   
   
   In thinking about this article, I asked my son what legacy meant to him and what legacy I had left with him to date. Rob commented: “Legacy is built by living your values consistently on a daily basis.” When he was growing up, he told me that I did something that stuck with him. No matter how busy I was, whether I was in a board or client meeting, I would always either step out to take his call or call him back as soon as my meeting was over. I guess it is the small things that often matter the most! 
   
   In addition to being fueled by my passions, I have also used heart-breaking issues as a source of positivity. When I was a child, my parents got divorced, and it was a really challenging period in my life. I have talked with my wife about how having divorced parents affected me growing up, and we have made it a priority to coach and counsel young married couples. Similarly, as I have traveled the world, I have been struck by the plight of poverty. My wife and I have also dedicated time and money to help those in need in our local and global communities.
   
   Your life is a culmination of experiences, both good and bad, that have helped shape who you are. Embrace these experiences and learn from them; they will contribute significantly to your legacy!
   
   
4. Leave your everyday routine to reflect on your legacy
   Grab some friends or invite your team to think about the legacy they want to leave. A few years ago, I scheduled a leadership meeting off-site with the single agenda item to discuss legacy. I asked each member of our leadership team to read the book, "Your Leadership Legacy: Why Looking Toward the Future Will Make You a Better Leader Today," by Robert M. Galford and Regina Fazio Maruca.
   
   In the book, the authors talk about the different levels of impact your legacy might have on others. They ask challenging questions, such as: Is your influence simply leaving a positive impression on others? Is your influence changing the way others think? Or does it actually change the way others behave?
   
   Each of my leaders answered the following questions: What characteristics do you want to be known for? What do you hope to achieve? What do you want to be remembered for? We also actually wrote our retirement speech based on what we hoped others would stand at the podium and say about us. It was a powerful experience.
   
   I challenge you to invite your team, mentors or group of friends to take a road trip to the beach or the mountains to contemplate your legacies. Confirm your purpose and map out your plan to live life more intentionally and relationally for the good of those around you!
   
   

We all want our lives to matter, don’t we? We all want to feel that incredible joy when we have made a difference in someone’s life. We all want to have a sense of purpose in what we do. Take time to reflect on the stories you have read but also think about your own story.

What legacy will you create?

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About the author: Bob Patton is the EY Americas Vice Chair of Advisory Services. He has extensive experience working with Fortune 500 companies in the consumer products, utilities and high-tech industries, as well as experience working with key public sector organizations. In 2011, Bob was recognized by Consulting? magazine as one of its Top 25 consultants honored in the category of Excellence in Leadership. In addition to his LinkedIn profile, you can also interact with Bob on his Twitter account @BobPattonEY.