As we celebrate freedom this week, let us pause for a moment and think about the legacy we are building with our lives.
So many leaders find themselves exhausted at the end of the day. They’ve been running on the corporate treadmill, facing endless emails and countless meetings and wondering if all the extra effort is worth it. “Am I truly making a difference?” they ask.
Each day offers us an opportunity to write the narrative of our life. We have the freedom to choose: where we invest our energy, who we spend our time with, and how we use our words. We can choose to build people up or tear them down.
And each day we have an opportunity to inspire. Yes, that word can sound daunting, requiring us to fill big shoes or be something more than we are. However, Webster’s definition of inspire is “to draw forth or bring out.” Don’t be intimidated – each day, our actions can draw forth or bring out something in ourselves or others.
Stories are a wonderful tool to inspire others in a corporate setting. Why? Because an audience will not remember the endless data points on your PowerPoint, but they will always remember how you made them feel.
As you observe one country’s celebration of freedom this week, think about this:
- When I am leading others, do I inform or inspire?- Am I embracing the freedoms I DO have to make a difference in this world?
- What leadership legacy am I leaving behind?
Then I invite you to take a few minutes to watch this heartfelt story from my fellow colleague and dear friend, communications expert, Jeff Black.
Ms. Anna Gibson did not know she was creating a leadership legacy. Her story parallels many we hear from around the world. One person acting with courage to change the course of history.
As you reflect on her story, think about the choices you make each day and ask yourself - what leadership legacy am I creating?
Remember, your leadership legacy is being written day by day, decision by decision.
