When he’s gone no one will be trying to replace him

I often get inspired to write this column by the simplest things. Watching the Season Premier of Yellowstone, this line hit me:

“When he’s gone, there’ll never be another. Nobody is trying to replace artists anymore.” - Rip Wheeler Yellowstone Ranch Manager

This line reflects a sentiment about the loss of traditional craftsmanship and the lack of appreciation or effort to preserve such skills in modern times. Rip emphasizes that people like Billy Klapper (who passed away in September 2024), who create with artistry and passion, are becoming rarer, and society isn't valuing or cultivating the next generation of these unique artisans.

Why did this inspire me?

One of the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership that John C. Maxwell discusses is the Law of Legacy. This law emphasizes that a leader's lasting value is measured by what they leave behind. It's about creating a lasting impact, building something enduring, and ensuring that one’s influence continues even after one is no longer there.

This reminds me that, although we may never be Billy Klappers, we should be the best versions of ourselves. What are we doing to improve every day? Are you a craftsman in your field? What would you leave behind for people to remember you if you moved on?

I’ve written before about legacy, and it’s not the end-of-life legacy that I am focused on. I try to focus on every interaction I have with our team, customers, or stakeholders. When you leave a room, you have left part of your legacy behind. If that was the last time the group saw you, would you be proud or embarrassed to be remembered that way?

In his book?12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos, Jordan Peterson alludes to a concept that I try to journal daily. "Don't compare yourself with anyone but you yesterday." Are you better, or at least equal, to your version of you yesterday? What did you do to improve your health, education, welfare, family, or any other part of your life? You don’t have to be an artist; you can be the best you can be.

If you obtain artistry along the way, I hope you inspire someone else to be better than you ever were.

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." - Winston Churchill