A Leadership Legacy and Awards Countdown
The first step to answering that question is knowing what exactly a legacy is, and how you can leave one behind. A Leadership Legacy.
A legacy is the mark you’ve made on life, that continues to grow and influence others even after you’ve passed on. It means you’ve contributed something to the world that will carry on through future generations. Many people sum it up as simply meaning, “I mattered.”
Now, you might think that this only refers to the last stage of your life, but your legacy can actually be built every day. That’s why you have to make each day count; you never know who you’ll influence or inspire, and they are the ones who help your legacy live on.
Being conscious of the fact that not all legacies are positive, and that yours could be growing even without your input, is key to creating the legacy you want. If you aren’t sure what yours should be, reflect on these questions and be honest with yourself in your answers:
What am I contributing to the world?
Who do I want to be?
What do I want to stand for?
What do I want to contribute?
What do I want people to remember me for?
How do I want people to remember me?
You can apply these questions to your leadership as well, to help clarify the legacy you want to leave behind in that area of your life. Think of your company in the future; how do you want people to talk about your leadership after you’re gone? What inspiring stories will they tell about the leader that you were?
If you want to, think larger than just your company or even your industry; think about what you want to give to the world as well. Do you want people to ask, “What would [your name] have done in this situation?” and then follow through with actions you would have taken? Your vision for your leadership legacy is large-scale, or simply to have made even a small difference in peoples’ lives. There are no wrong answers!
So, how do you go about building your leadership legacy? Here are three ways you can begin to carve out your legacy as a great leader.
Focus On Your Character, Not Your Reputation
When we think of great leaders, we think of those who display a strong sense of self and stay true to who they are. To leave a leadership legacy that makes an impact, make sure you’re always acting in a way that aligns with your true character. Even if others may not think the best of you, you will win over those who matter by having integrity.
Be Prepared To Make The Tough Decisions, As Long As They’re The Right Things To Do
Everything in life comes down to choices, and it’s important to choose what you believe is the right course of action, even if it’s difficult. You won’t always get it right, but finding the lessons in failures is just as important to your leadership legacy.
Always Behave Honestly, Kindly, Respectfully And Authentically
How you behave has a huge impact on the way you and your leadership will be remembered. Were you kind? Were you honest and respectful? Did you lead in alignment with your values? And did you do all these things consistently, because that’s genuinely who you were as a person? The legacy you leave behind heavily depends on these factors.
The content of your character, the choices you make and the way you consistently behave all contribute to the growth of your leadership legacy. Once you’re clear on just what you want your legacy to be, you can begin to work on building it.
I know I want my leadership legacy to be one that inspires not just leaders, but any person, to be kind, courageous and authentic. I want to leave behind a world without bullying; a world I helped create. I want people to talk of my work for years to come, and inspire them to greatness.
Ultimately when I look back I know I lived and lead a life of courage, leadership and kindness. I focused on my Why. I made a difference to others by inspiring them to be more, do more and learn more…
What do you want your leadership legacy to be?
Below is one way you can leave a legacy for yourself and for others!
PRESS RELEASE – THE COUNTDOWN! NOMINATIONS CLOSE MAY 1 FOR OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AWARDS
Sonia McDonald has called on the world’s best leaders to be quick if they want to nab the top-dog spot in this year’s Outstanding Leadership Awards. Nominations close on May 1, 2022, with leaders from across Australia and the world welcome to nominate themselves or nominate someone who displays all the traits of a true leader.
The awards are fast becoming a household name in the leadership world as a way to shine the spotlight on leaders who are courageous, kind, compassionate, dedicated and passionate.
It’s a one-in-a-lifetime chance to showcase what true leaders look like on the centre stage.
Sonia McDonald said she was looking forward to celebrating and recognising the top talents in their respective fields.
“It’s become so important, especially after the last couple of years with the pandemic, that we have great and courageous leaders who are actively leading their communities, leading the way in their sectors and mentoring other potential leaders,” she said.
“These awards help us to recognise those leaders who stand out from the crowd.”
Leegal Consulting Group CEO Wendy Leegal said winning the prestigious Outstanding Leader, Women in Leadership title in 2020 was the catalyst for many new and wonderful opportunities.
“Opportunities to work with new partners in NFP and Local and federal government. Re-engagement with successful professionals who I have helped in the past and who wanted to congratulate, reconnect and seek help with new endeavours. Life-changing dreams of commencing my PhD so that I can be an even better leader in the future,” she said.
“Leadership HQ offers the opportunity to be one’s best self and help others share their dreams and develop new skills. Chat and mentor communities ensure leaders are helping each other to thrive and succeed.”
“Thank you LeadershipHQ, I look forward to connecting and congratulating all of the 2022 Outstanding Leaders, I can guarantee that their award will change their life.”
Other past Outstanding Leadership Awards winners include Queensland Steel and Sheet CEO Cecily McGuckin and Rural Doctors Association Victoria Dr Daniel Wilson.
For more information about the Outstanding Leadership Awards visit: https://www.outstandingleadershipawards.com.au/ or contact Sonia McDonald at sonia@leadershiphq.com.au or 0424 447 616.
By Sonia McDonald – CEO of LeadershipHQ and McDonald Inc. Leadership Coach, Keynote Speaker, Entrepreneur, CEO, Mum and Author.
Sonia McDonald is changing the face of leadership across the globe. She believes we should lead with kindness and courage, from the heart, and is known for her mantra ‘Just Lead’. She leads by example in all these areas and through her transformational coaching, leadership training programs and cultural transformation for organisations and encourages others to do the same. Sonia has helped thousands of people on their leadership journey to become the best version of themselves and in turn, inspire and bring out the best in others.
Sonia is a founder and CEO of McDonald Inc., LeadershipHQ and Global Outstanding Leadership Awards and 2022 Courage Conference. For more than 25 years, Sonia has been on the front lines of leadership and she is beyond committed to her mission around building a world of great leaders.
She has held leadership positions worldwide and through experience, research and study come to realise what it takes to be a truly great leader. She has been recognised by Richtopia as One of the Top 250 Influential Women across the Globe and Top 100 Australian Entrepreneurs.
Sonia has an ability to speak bravely and authentically about her own development as a leader, personal and career challenges in a way which resonates with her audience. She is a leading coach, an award-winning published author of newly released First Comes Courage, Leadership Attitude and Just Rock It! and has become an in-demand keynote speaker on leadership, kindness and courage.
Sonia has become recognised for her commentary around the topic of leadership, kindness, empathy and courage as well as building outstanding leadership across the Globe.