Leaders Leave Legacies

“Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.“  - Shannon L. Alder

My flagship program for high school and college students in the Region of Peel, Ontario is a workshop called Leaders Leave Legacies. A key feature of my workshop is helping the students understand the importance of creating wonderful memories and leaving a legacy.

Let us take Thomas Clement “Tommy” Douglas, a Scottish-born Canadian who became the father of universal health care program. As boy in Winnipeg doctors told his parent his leg had to be amputated because they could not afford the cost of the treatment for the medical condition that affected his leg. Fortunately his leg was saved when his parents agreed to allow medical students to observe his treatment by a well-known orthopedic surgeon who treated him for free. The experience convinced Tommy Douglas that health care should be free to all.

Another story I share with the students is about Sir John Alexander MacDonald, the first Prime Minister of Canada. He was a dominant figure of Canadian Confederation and had to agree to join forces with his political rival, George Brown. This decision resulted in the British North America Act and the birth of Canada as a nation on 1 July 1867.

There are lots of great leaders past and present that I admire such as Nelson Mandela and Michael Manley. Good leaders are an enabling force, helping people and organizations to perform and develop. In large corporation leaders ensure that a sophisticated alignment is achieved between the aims of the organization and customers’ needs. Attitudes and behaviours as it relates to humanity and the concept of serving are fundamental to the leadership role. Leadership is a about serving others that is selflessly putting the needs of others ahead of personal needs.

A year ago I was invited to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands to join in the celebration of the 10^th Anniversary of the Tortola Toastmasters Club. Ten years earlier I had arrived on the island and yearning to make friends and integrate into the community I was instrumental in chartering the club and became the first president. On the night of Saturday November 3, 2012 at the 10^th Anniversary Dinner at the Moorings Restaurant I truly humbled by how the simplest things we do leaves the greatest memories. When I spoke that night these were my words “Ten years ago, a group of us planted a seed and that seed was nurtured and flourished to this beautiful moment. I met strangers, but we formed friendships and bonds. We had a dream 10 years ago and that dream led to this moment of glorious celebration.”

Leaders leave legacy, what memories are you creating? What will be your legacy?

Mark McKenzie is a leading Subject Matter Expert in financial services regulation and supervision as well as a professional motivational speaker, corporate trainer and youth mentor.  He can be contacted by email mastbmckenzie@gmail.com or by telephone 647-406-4622. Read my blog  http://mastbmckenzie.blogspot.ca/ and always write me a comment and share. Follow me on Twitter @mackynacky. Connect with me on www.youtube.com, Google+, Facebook and Linkedin.