Most people would think it morbid to imagine being at their own funeral. I know this is a tough topic to bring up in person. But privately, how many of you haven't thought of this? What would you like to be remembered for? What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
Looking backwards sometimes has the effect of helping us to think about what we are doing in our lives today to create the end result we desire at the end of life. Have we created the relationships with our family we desire? How about friendships? Have we contributed to our communities? What relationships are we nurturing, feeding, etc.? Will a lot of people be at your funeral or will only a few people be there? What is the mark you are making on the world?
Thinking about our businesses and its termination can have the same effect. How will it end? What will it be remembered for? Have you created an organization that has a legacy to leave behind?
I am proud to say that there are several businesses I have had played a significant and formidable role in shaping that are still around and probably will be for years to come. In one of the businesses, we regularly worked hard to focus on our vision and strategic growth plans. On a quarterly basis we would meet to discuss and review our vision. The net effect was that an organization with a legacy was being unfolded by us. So, what about your business? Do you have a long range vision? What is the legacy you want to be remembered for in your business? And, what about your life? Are you doing the things necessary to support this legacy? Taking time out to regularly reflect on these types of business and life questions can lead to creating the legacy you desire. But, you must do the work to achieve the end result. So, how do you want to be remembered? We can offer you a process with some exercises involving a series of questions that can help you through this work. Let us know if you are interested in help in this area.