If you are reading this article then there’s a high probability that you are a leader.

You have already made the decision to influence people, to inspire people to become better as individuals and as part of a wider team.

At the end of the day how will you be measured as a leader? Will it be by how much profit you made for your organisation, how many products you produce or awards that you receive?

The role of a leader is to provide people with the belief and power to take them to a level that they’ve never been to before.

This kind of empowering leadership is not measured by the amount of glory the leader receives.

Leadership and ultimately the leader’s legacy is measured by the quality of leaders that they produce.

To value a leader’s legacy look at the people they have inspired to start their own leadership journey and where that journey is taking them.

“I start with the premise that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers” – Ralph Nader

One of the most successful Managers in the history of football is Sir Alex Ferguson the former Manager of Manchester United.

During his 26 years at the club, he won 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League and two UEFA Champions League titles.

Yet an achievement which is rarely mentioned is the number of players who played for Sir Alex who later went on to become Managers in their own rights.

Currently there have been over 30 former players who have followed Sir Alex Ferguson’s path, all of whom have remarked on the influence that Sir Alex had on their managerial career.

Conclusion

A true leader realises that leadership is about many things but there is one thing it is not about and that is themselves.

A leader is nothing without the courage of people who are willing to follow. Show gratitude for that courage by being courageous yourself and inspire them to be the next generation of leaders.

Early next year Mark Wager will be delivering Leadership training in Fiji.

Contact Mark at mark@eliteld.co.nz for more information