adminShelter Chieza Change Management
I am one person that never used to be concerned about the type of legacy I would leave at my workplace until one of my former colleagues phoned me after I had resigned. It started off as a normal inquisitive conversation informing me how harsh the current boss was and how much they missed my “soft” personality.
It got me thinking — really? Was that how people perceived me years after my departure? I tried to give excuses in my mind of how young I was at the time.
I tried to mix it up with some gender nuances, but that did not cover up for anything. I was perceived to be a “soft” manager.
It got me thinking of just how many managers underestimate the legacy they leave at their former workplaces.
Legacy is usually not within the confines of time served. At each stage of your career, you are building foundational blocks that cumulatively tell a story of the type of manager you are.
Those moments that needed your singular input or your decision making abilities, or your wisdom, the bold and the not so bold initiatives are also included in your legacy.
Each time you come up with an innovative solution, you are adding to your legacy — the same applies to mistakes they also contribute to your legacy.
Handing in your resignation letter must not signal the end of your legacy in that particular organisation.
Take time to reflect those moments, mistakes, decisions made, actions taken so that in your next job you will have made a discovery on the areas that either made or break you. You should be the type of person that keeps looking for ideas that create a sustainable impact and influence in different areas of life.
You now have the opportunity for greater clarity on issues in your field and depth of thought to further improve your leadership approach.
As you move up the corporate ladder, there are days that you will recall and ask yourself what you achieved.
You don’t want to recall opportunities for growth that you missed. Be the kind of person that can claim success stories to your individual intuitiveness.
As you seek to shine in your career, you must have individuals that you carried too — these can testify that you were their mentor.
I always give the example of this young man I groomed throughout the years we served at a company together.
I am honoured to be a huge influence on his meteoric rise to becoming an executive of note. Its self-satisfying when individuals that you identified that had potential also rises to the occasion.
One advantage of resigning as opposed to being sacked is the benefit of tying loose ends. If you decide to resign from an organisation the 3 months’ notice you give affords you ample time to refine your legacy.
Do your work with pride and energy. Ensure that you finish the race no matter what position they are in.
Don’t be the last person to arrive at work during your notice serving days. You may be leaving the company because of grievances and disappointments, don’t let that tarnish your thinking and final push.
Remember that will pass, in fact it has passed because you have already handed in your resignation letter.
By all means, please don’t poison the mood at the workplace. There are habits that you could be sharpening for your next job, this is the time to be reinforcing those habits.
Habits such as arriving at work early or on time are not just acquired overnight or because you have started a new job. These are personal decisions that one trains themselves on.
Much has been said about Apple Inc founder Steve Jobs but one comment that particularly caught my attention was when the iPhone 5S was launched.
It was said that the design was in contrast to what Mr Jobs had always emphasised on (minimalist features).
Apparently it was a gold I-phone. Some customers preferred the added bling but remember that this brand has a legacy to preserve.
The problem is that most of us get comfortable with our work routines. When we are hired, we usually have the energy and drive but it usually fizzles out the longer we stay on the job.
Last week I discussed about having a personal brand, if you do not have a personal brand and identity, you will surely miss out on leaving a legacy.
How will your colleagues remember you? At some point in time we all leave because no one who is indispensable within a company. Even the best of employees are replaceable
Will you be one of those people leave a lasting legacy? The goodwill that you earn from clients should give you the energy to do more for the next customer coming your way.
Till next week, may God richly bless you!
Shelter Chieza is a Management Consultant. She can be contacted at [email protected]
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