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He had lived a full life, so full that those who heard his stories in later years found it hard to believe that one person could have done so much in a single lifetime. But he did.

And he left behind a legacy that carries through to this day and beyond. Lives saved, businesses that served, and a family that was cared for were just a few of the hallmarks of his leadership. Life was never easy for him, but he lived it well; and he finished well.

As we come to the end of each year, it is a good time to reflect on life, leadership, and legacy.

In business, it is essential for leaders to allow this time of reflection, both personally and professionally. And it is also good practice to encourage your team members to do the same.

Take some time in the next three weeks to consider some of these questions:

• What are the major events and accomplishments of the year? In the day-to-day, when it seems progress is incrementally small, it helps to step back to the beginning of the year to see how far you and your team have come. The broader picture brings additional perspective.
• What has gone well this year?
• What have been the challenges?
• What new ideas helped push through the challenges?
• Who on your team contributed to the company’s success?
• Have you thanked them specifically for what they did?
• What are your goals for the coming year?
• What needs to be finished before year end?
• What, realistically, cannot be finished and, therefore, should be moved to the next quarter or beyond?
• As a leader, what do you want your legacy to be?
• Is what you are doing today moving you in that direction?

Your Legacy

If you are a company founder and your legacy is to leave a profitable company that serves your community and continues to provide for your family, are you focused on profit, service, and family? Or are you constantly chasing new ideas to nowhere, leaving all those areas struggling?

If your legacy is to be known as an expert in your field, do you have a plan for intentional personal and professional growth in the upcoming year?

If your legacy is to be remembered as a thoughtful, caring leader, are you one today? If not, how can you become one?

Legacy doesn’t “just happen.” It comes from having a mission and from focusing on that mission, not just for a week or a quarter, but for a lifetime. What you do will vary through the years, but if your mission is well-defined, all those things come together, and your mission becomes your legacy.

Action Steps

1. Schedule time now and before year-end to review your mission, vision, and values.
2. Ask the questions above as they relate to your legacy. Are your current actions in alignment with how you want to be remembered and what you want to accomplish?
3. Are you working within your strengths zone to serve others?
4. Set goals for the new year that truly align with who you want to be and how you want to serve.

For resources on finding your strengths, maximizing your impact, and growing yourself and your business, click here. Helping you build your leadership legacy is our mission.

Deb Ingino is a highly sought-after executive coach, mentor, consultant, and speaker worldwide. Deb is well versed in business operations and in the importance of asking key questions most business leaders won’t ask themselves. She brings deep experience in leadership development, strategy, high performance team building and effective communication. She has a passion for leading people to discover and maximize their strengths as well as those of fellow team members, while offering advanced strategies to achieve high performance. Deb is the perfect fit if you’re ready to take your leadership and impact to the next level!