Sounds a bit morbid. Right?
But this question is not intended to be about your mortality – rather it’s about your functionality and your intentionality.
It’s about what you accomplish and the impact you have as you go about your daily routine, interact with others, and pursue your career goals and dreams.
Sounds a little better, right? We hope so.
Here’s what we’re getting at and what we’re challenging you to consider – YOUR IMPACT — on others and the organization you work for.
Think about the things you do every day.
- Send and receive emails.
- Talk with customers.
- Solve problems.
- Create solutions.
- Work with team members.
- Meet with your boss.
- Greet strangers.
- Conduct virtual meetings.
The list goes on. But all these activities have something in common. For each activity something is “left” – an idea, an emotion, a question, a result – something.
Every action you take, every interaction you have, leaves something and so for each of us the question is this:
Does what you leave, leave something of value?
We would hope so. Do you know?
Here’s the next question:
What can you do to maximize the likelihood that what you leave will be of value – will add to what the organization is working to achieve or help others contribute to what the organization is trying to achieve?
Here’s where coaching, self-development, and continuous learning play active and critical roles. To maximize your ability to leave something of value you must:
- Know what you want to leave. (Remember – always start with the end in mind!)
- Know when you’re leaving it or not.
- Know what’s getting in the way.
- Know how to eliminate relevant obstacles and impediments.
In other words, you must be self-aware and “other-aware.” Both are required. Following awareness comes action – you must be ready, willing, and able to change and improve.
So again, we ask this question:
When you leave, what will you leave?
Make sure you always know the answer!
Next Step?
Take 5 minutes — 5 quiet minutes — to find the word or phrase that describes what you want to leave.
Got it?
Now use it to guide your interactions!
We’re not done!
With your word or phrase in mind think about your last interaction.
Was what you left consistent with your word or phrase?
Why or why not?
We’re still not done!
Think about your next interaction.
What might you do differently to act in ways consistent with your word or phrase?
Now consider this specific example.
Let’s say your word is “clarity.”
Think about your last interaction.
Did you leave “clarity?” Why or why not? Be very specific!
Now, think about your next interaction.
What can you do to maximize what you leave with respect to clarity? Again, be very specific!
Might there be multiple things you want to “leave?” Of course. Just know what they are and work towards achieving them.
Might you need to make adjustments during an interaction? Of course.
Just remember to act with intention and be mindful of what you leave.
Ready to act?
Now we’re done!
Let us know how you do.