5 things you can do today to build a legacy

You can’t build a legacy if you’re doing it all yourself - Five things you can do today

As a woman and an executive, it’s hard not to have a hands-on approach, especially in times of uncertainty (which is all the time these days!).

You know how things should be done. You’ve already succeeded and made it to a high level in your career. You’re familiar with your organization’s standards (heck, you probably helped write those standards). You're committed to taking care of your people and your customers - ensuring the most value possible!

But if you’re wanting to leave a lasting legacy, sustain a healthy life, and remain sane you can’t do it all yourself and you can't keep holding on to ways of working that just don't work as well anymore - amIright?

There’s power in delegation, and in building a capable team around you to carry on the BEST of your work and message, even when you’re not around. And, to do that well, you need to include those new generations and listen to their ideas.

Being a great leader doesn’t mean taking on every task and project that you used to, and you know that. Nor does it mean delegating but watching over someone's shoulder or, worse yet, worrying about it while staring at your ceiling at 3 in the morning! But I’ve found when things get tough or uncertain, some of us actually shrink away from delegation and new ideas - just when it's most important to delegate MORE and try new things.

The more old ways of working are challenged, the more we hang on to them - it's hard to give up the "baby" that you "birthed" with so much hard work!

Letting go of some control means:

-        Taking things completely OFF your plate, even though it is darned uncomfortable

-        Mentoring others who will take your place, even if their generational values differ from your own

-        Building a succession plan and truly implementing the development of said successors so your organization remains solid after you decide to retire (or not)

-        Being patient and expecting that sometimes those to whom you delegate make mistakes

-        Offering your experience and guidance and, if you’re wise, keeping yourself open to the younger generation's newer ideas, especially on the latest tech, social media, engagement, etc.

One executive I talked to the other day spoke of watching her daughter and other younger-generation employees stepping into leadership roles at the organization she founded.

Before, she’d been stuck in the mindset that she had to be there every step of the way. That SHE WAS THE BUSINESS.

But now, there’s a whole team in place who can run the business even without HER.

It wasn't easy to separate the "baby" from the "mother", but she's now proud of the legacy she is leaving to her daughter and is eager to see how the business will grow through the next generation of leaders.

Is she entirely comfortable with giving up knowing every nook and cranny of the business? No.

But she realizes that for the company (and her daughter), ultimately she will need to let go entirely.

If you’re winding into the last few years of your formal career, do you have a plan in place to empower those around you to carry on your legacy? Are you continuing to share, mentor and learn?

If you’re still struggling with what you want to BE next and leave behind as your legacy, I invite you to book a free consultation with me.