Make an Impact

By: Andy Fry, Renogize Coach & Director of Operations

We often think of a legacy as something that takes a long time to develop and then long outlives us.  In our current day and age, it is more likely that we are a part of a greater story that didn’t start with us and will continue to be written well after we are gone. 

As the “Boomer” generation of leaders shifts toward well-earned retirements, so also goes their average of a “one career and one job” mentality.  Taking a quick look at tenures of leaders in academia and corporate business, we see that the average amount of time you have to make an impact as a leader is relatively short:

University President: 6 years

Dean of a College: 5 years

C-Suite Executive: 4.5 years

Fortune 500 CEO: 7 years

We can see that the tenure for some of our top leaders is not that long, however, the younger generations might disagree.  What is the average tenure for someone in the “Millennial” generation in a role?  Less than three years.  That means that the average Millennial has already transitioned to new positions five times or more.  Carefully consider transitions between positions.  Unfortunately, the grass isn’t greener on the other side of the fence; it is greener where it is weeded, seeded, fed, and watered.  So “water your grass” by cultivating relationships and elevating the skills and abilities of those around you.

Consider how you want to be remembered by the people in your company or organization.  Take five minutes and write it down.  Post it somewhere prominent as a reminder.  Lead in such a way as to accomplish that goal. 

You don’t have much time.  Choose to be remembered as someone who made an impact.