It’s useful to think about the legacy of others. I have learnt lessons from so many people who have touched something within me.
Miss Hogarth, a student teacher who said, whilst trying to get our class to focus on a science revision class, ‘I don’t care whether you put in the work, I have done my work. Now it’s down to you. Whether you choose to put the effort in will directly lead to the quality of your exam paper.’ 25 years later, I still hear her words of wisdom.
Then there is the legacy of another teacher who told me I was not creative. A belief I held for many years, much to my disadvantage. Your legacy is something that you pass on within each interaction. You get to decide whether it’s a positive gift or a harmful one.
So, I take you right back to revisit the lessons learned in MySelf.
Who do you want to be?
How do you want to lead?
Start with the end in mind.
A case study: Becoming a legend
One of the most inspiring leaders I have ever had the privilege to work with was Andrew. Now Andrew was pretty understated in his appearance. He wasn’t loud in any sense, simply quiet and composed. He was a master of listening and taking thoughtful action. Nothing he did was whimsical, but he was always moving too. His people loved him, and years later they still talk of him with love and respect.
I asked him one day what was this drive he had within him to get results, and yet put people first. He shared how he and his family had become refugees when he was just a boy. His safe, secure childhood was turned upside down and he found himself in hell on Earth. He spent many years in refugee camps, witnessing the worst depravity and human behaviour, something a child should never experience. Yet in amongst all of the terror, he always remembered the helpers, the kind ones, the ones who took time to listen, care and show him love.
He knew that kindness is the key to success and that was his leading value.
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