What Will Be Your Legacy?

…and don’t forget the credenza.

Popular leaders are often asked what they would like their legacy to be, as if it’s something akin to a piece of furniture they get to bequeath to their heirs.

“Well, thank you, Leah; that’s a very interesting question. In addition to the walnut credenza in my corner office, I’d like to leave behind a legacy of… (etc., etc., etc.).”

Remember, you don’t get to decide your legacy. Your colleagues, friends, and family do.

Frankly, at that point, you’ll have no say in the matter.

So here are two questions I’ve encouraged executives to ask themselves when dealing with important, stressful, and high-conflict interactions with others:

1) What’s the impact I wish to have in this conversation/meeting/situation?
2) How would I like people to think and feel about me after it?

From the feedback I’ve received from leaders, these two questions seem to work rather well in this lifetime.

And they may even help with your legacy after it.