Legacy Leaders

You make a living by what you earn, you leave a legacy by what you give!

This is how we become legacy leaders.

Life is about what we give, because in the giving, is what we leave in others. This is how we impact the generations that follow us, and it’s how we live on in others. The truth is, everyone wants their life to matter, and every good leader wants to leave a legacy, and it starts with giving.

“You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭20:35‬‭

But not just any giving, it’s what we give that counts.

This is where our focus as leaders matters because we pass on who we are, and not what we do. The essence of our lives, is what will come through our lives, no matter what. Therefore, having Jesus be number one  in our hearts, is massive. 

It’s from Jesus that we are transformed into a new person and where all things have become new. 

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:17‬

This is vital because when Jesus changes us, what we leave in others becomes not only for this life, but also for eternity. 

So, what do we give to others?

Here are three things I believe every leader should give those around them.

First, vulnerability. No one is perfect, and all of us need help. Furthermore, all of us have made mistakes, and one of the best things a leader can do is share those to others. This not only makes us human, it also gives others the freedom to be vulnerable to us. This is where real talk happens. 

Vulnerability is the open door that gives permission for others to come inside. This is where true impact happens, because people connect to us more about our mistakes than they do our achievements. This is so important to remember as leaders because so often we are wanting to put our trophies on display, but in reality, it’s our mistakes that make the most difference, if we allow them. Too many times we’re trying to hide our mistakes, when in reality it’s what we need to share the most.

Are you a vulnerable leader?

I encourage you to be one because this is where we can help leaders grow the most.

Second, give trust to others. When we give trust to others, it empowers them to flourish and grow. I love what Pastor Craig Groeschel says, “Trust is given, distrust is earned.”

This is the opposite of how most people operate but, we are legacy leaders, and we are different.

At some point, leaders have to be given the chance to do something and learn. There will never be a perfect scenario, a perfect moment or a perfect situation. They just have to step out and try. What they need from us is the chance to do it, and then to be affirmed and coached by what we see. 

I can remember when my dad let me preach for the first time. It was horrible, but he let me do it. He didn’t stop me, but he trusted me, and I began to grow. Who, around you today, could you give trust to, so they could grow? 

Yes, they will make mistakes. Yes, they don’t know what you know, but they won’t learn unless you trust them. 

Third, give caring, consistent feedback. Legacy leaders give what they know through caring and consistent feedback. This is where leaders have the moment, to speak into others lives with correction, affirmation, direction and hope. All of these things and more are needed for new leaders to grow and learn to become more.

This requires legacy leaders to consistently give feedback as much as possible. This can be easier said than done, but it must be done. When this happens, leaders will grow and learn at a faster rate, while they make adjustments along the way. When legacy leaders withhold this feedback, it stifles the new leaders from knowing what they need to know, which means they can’t change what they need to change.

Our job is to give the feedback, their job to receive it. 

This is what we do as legacy leaders! 

We rise above the Status quo, and we give into others, an investment that last for generations. We must remember, we have one generation, to impact a generation. Therefore, urgency is required in being a legacy leader, because what we do today, will echo in eternity.

Today, what are you giving? 

Whatever it is, that is defining your legacy. The good news is, if what we’re giving is wrong or what we don’t like, we can change it. We become legacy leaders and make an impact from what we give.

You have more influence than you know. More people are watching you than you see. The reach you have, goes farther than those around you.

So today, move forward and be, a legacy leader!

The best is yet to come,

PD