What Is Your Personal Legacy?
What is your legacy? I don’t mean this in a what future generations remember about you sort of way.
The context of the word that I’m referring is more regarding your personal legacy. Depending upon your age (and hipness), some call it your personal brand, while others your reputation. Whatever terminology you give it, do you even realize that it exists?
Especially for those still emerging in their careers, this may seem like a unique concept. However, it is a topic that I always mention when I am mentoring younger professionals.
You only have one name. How would you like to be referred to when yours comes up in general conversation, especially when you’re not around?
For example, do you want others to remember you as never on time; for lackluster/so-so executed products; or forever blaming others, a “pot stirrer” and/or portraying a negative vibe? Or, would you prefer to be known for your stellar performance, dependability, reliability, creativity, positivity, etc.?
We all have choices that we make during the evolutionary lifecycle of our careers. We can choose to be the person who says, “that’s not in my job description!”; or the one who rolls up their sleeves (no matter the task, large or small) and says, “how can I help?”. In this scenario, which of these people would you predict has the better chance of being promoted or sought after for the big, juicy roles?
Our choice of attitude transfers to our clients universally, as well. Clients want to work with service-focused trusted advisors, and problem finders, as well as problem solvers. Clients don’t want fickle consultants/vendors who only show up like leeches when there’s work to be handed out. They want professional, consistent relationships who are also around in the hard times to offer how they may be a resource.
I have forever said when referring to highly technical service projects that it’s not a matter of if the project will get “in the ditch,” it’s when. When things are tough, who do you think clients will lean upon first — the proactive, steadfast innovator or the other leech guy/gal?
Every storm runs out of rainwater eventually. When the worst passes, it’s those who surround us faithfully when we’re in the trenches that we first lean upon. Traversing the challenging times together builds trust and loyalty.
What are you known for? Will your clients make you their first call, or are you much farther down their list?
As we sit this March 30, 2020, our ship is headed into the most unchartered waters we’ve ever experienced in our lifetimes. Therefore, it’s even more incumbent to be intentional and accountable to the personal legacy that we are imparting when we are with others. Putting the time in to help someone by going the extra mile, doing the right thing (even when you think no one is looking), and preserving your integrity is even more important.
I’ve known for the bulk of my career that I’m often not the smartest person in the room. However, my grandfather instilled in me his discipline, tenacity and work ethic that I have carried throughout my professional life. I don’t always get it right, but I’ve always tried very hard. It’s important to me because I want to be known for it.
My Why is to inspire, ignite and activate the greatness in others and myself. It’s what I strive to accomplish when I am serving others each day.
What do you want to be known for? If you’d like to discuss this or other topics, then please contact me at dlandry@authentizity.com.
NOTE: For other related blog posts on this topic, please refer to:
30 Pieces of Advice I’d Give to My 30 Year Old Self: https://authentizity.com/30-pieces-of-advice/
Eeyore or Mr. Roarke?: https://authentizity.com/eeyore-or-mr-roarke/
Defining Your “I” in BusIness Development: https://authentizity.com/defining-the-i-in-business-development/
And What Do You Do?: https://authentizity.com/and-what-do-you-do/
