What will they say about you?

Leaders who are shortsighted worry too much about what people say about them. Whether it’s because of insecurity, a need for affirmation, issues related to competence or image, many leaders measure success in the metrics of immediate change. More often than not, however, the full measure of our success can only be measured long after we’ve gone from the organization we leave. Only then can can determine how lasting our influence was.

What do you want them to say about you after you’re gone? A Catholic priest, a Protestant minister, and a rabbi are discussing what they would like people to say after they die and their bodies are on display in open caskets.

Priest: “I would like someone to say ‘He was a righteous man, an honest man, and very generous.’”

Minister: “I would like someone to say ‘He was very kind and fair, and he was very good to his parishioners.’”

Rabbi: “I want someone to say ‘LOOK! HE’S MOVING!!’”