Have you considered the personal legacy you will leave at your workplace? All of us leave a footprint at the workplace when we resign or retire. I am not talking about the work you do. I am talking about the “how” you get work done. What will people remember about you when saying goodbye? What words echo in the hallways as people leave your organization?
“He was a good friend and mentor.”
“She will be greatly missed.”
“In case there is an important issue, we have her cell number, right?”
“Sure glad that SOB is gone. Let’s empty out his office and have a bonfire in the parking lot.”
“She was a solid businessperson. She understood our business and demonstrated how to balance people and operational issues.”
“Go get the Lysol, rubber gloves and trash bags! I think his desk is a Norovirus incubator.”
“Employees trusted him. Our leaders trusted him too. That’s why he was able to make a significant, positive impact.”
“She burned too many people and could not be trusted.”
“She was a tool for management.”
“He knew how to get things done and have fun in the process.”
“That animal routinely fired employees by text.”
“She was kind and generous. In fact, I know she routinely helped people during their time of need.”
“He was completely out of touch with employees, their opinions and needs.”
“She never left her corner office, except for meetings.”
“He once fired a pregnant employee at the hospital while she was between contractions.”
Each day while working we leave a mark on people. I encourage you to leave a positive personal impression on those around you, whether at work, in the community or at home. At the end of our lives we will not consider the work we accomplished but the lives we touched.
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