In life, we often measure our success by the things we accumulate—our accomplishments, titles, wealth, and accolades. Recently hearing lyrics from a Randy Travis song stopped me in my tracks: "It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go." These words resonated deeply with me, sparking reflection on leadership, legacy, and the lasting impact we have on others as we move through this world.
Leadership, whether personal or professional, is a journey, and it is one that extends far beyond our own immediate experience. It’s about the ways we impact those around us, whether we are aware of it or not. And, as the lyrics so beautifully put, what truly defines our legacy is not the things we acquire or the titles we earn, but what we leave behind, the lives we touch and the difference we make.
We are all leaders, regardless of our titles or roles. Leadership is not confined to the boardroom or a management position; it exists in our relationships, in how we show up for those around us, and in the small, everyday choices we make. In our personal lives, we lead as parents, friends, partners, and family members. In our professional lives, we lead by example, by guiding others towards their goals, and by creating environments that nurture growth. Every one of us, in every facet of life, has the power to lead. The question then becomes, what kind of leader do we choose to be?
True leadership begins within. It starts with clarity and commitment to our core values, to our "why," the reason we do what we do. To lead others effectively, we must first lead ourselves, being true to our principles, understanding our motivations, and staying focused on what really matters. This inner clarity is crucial because leadership is not just about outward appearances; it’s about alignment between who we are and how we act. Without this, the leadership we offer can feel hollow, inconsistent, and misdirected. It’s easy to get lost in the noise of external expectations, but when we are clear about our purpose, we are better equipped to lead with intention.
In my opinion leadership is not defined by titles or outward accomplishments. It is defined by the way I show up for the people in my life, the way I lead with empathy, commitment, and authenticity. The titles I’ve held, the promotions I’ve received, or the income I’ve earned will not be the things my son remembers about me when I’m gone. What he will remember is that I was at every soccer game, that I believed he should strive to be a positive light in this world, that I believed in him and challenged him to be the best version of himself, and that I made the choice to be present in his life. He will remember that I was always a safe place for him to land, whether he succeeded or stumbled along his own path. The lasting memories and impact from me will be from the presence I was in his life, by walking beside him with love through life’s journey.
The leaders who have had the most lasting impact on me are those who were present, who cared deeply for me, and who helped me navigate my own path. They walked with me, supported me, and cheered me on. As a leader, I have always strived to do the same, to help others discover and walk in their own purpose. I hope the people I’ve led remember me as someone who cared for them not just as employees or colleagues, but as people with dreams, challenges, and potential. Leadership is not about elevating oneself; it’s about elevating others.
The reality of life is that it is not always easy, and leadership is hard work. Every day, we are presented with choices, sometimes difficult ones. The road to true leadership is not always the “easy” road. It’s not the path of least resistance, and it’s not always the one that leads to immediate success or recognition. Often, we must choose between focusing on ourselves or focusing on others. It is easy to become consumed by our own desires, to focus on personal gain, but true leadership calls for a different approach. It requires a focus on others, on serving and supporting those around us. It asks us to prioritize what is lasting over what is fleeting, to choose a path that will leave behind something meaningful.
In the world today, it can sometimes feel as though leadership is often synonymous with self-promotion. Many leaders, whether in business or politics, seek to build their personal brand or advance their own agendas. There is a place for self-promotion and ambition, but leadership should always come back to the question: What am I leaving behind? Is it just a collection of personal victories, or is it a legacy of service, care, and dedication to the people I’ve led?
As I reflect on what I hope to leave behind, I believe that true leadership is about what we give to others, not what we take for ourselves. It’s the moments we share, the support we offer, and the love we give that create lasting impact. Ultimately, it’s what we leave behind when we go that will define us, not the titles, the promotions, or the accolades. It will be the people whose lives we’ve touched, the paths we’ve helped them navigate, and the difference we’ve made in the world.
That is the legacy of leadership we should all strive for.
