by Nick Jacobs

The authors of Your Leadership Legacy Robert Galford and Regina Maruca asked me my thoughts on the kind of legacy I want to leave as a leader. It's ironic that this subject was already on my blog list of topics. Timing is everything and it serendipitously coordinated with my attention to this topic. What does a leader need to do to Leave a Legacy for his corporation.

How are you preparing your organization for your departure? Is there a candidate or candidates currently being groomed within your organization to assume the mantle of leadership? Who will take your place?

Each day as you look out over the sea of individuals that you serve, do you think about the day when it will be someone else's eyes taking in that same view?

It is NOT enough to lead your organization as a star. Lee Iacocco was a star leader, and where is Chrysler? It's Damlier Chrysler, and it's controlled from Germany. Jack Welsh left his legacy in the person of Jeff Immelt, not bad. GE is stronger than ever under Jeff's leadership.

The Catholic Church seems to have a succession plan securely in place with, on any given day, over large number of red hats waiting in the wings to replace the pope. The College of Cardinals is ready and waiting to move from the bench to the ultimate position of leadership in the Church.

The U.S. Senate always has about 20 or so Senators eager to prove that they would make an outstanding President, and everyone knows that Al Queda has more replacements than a "Wack a Mole" game. One goes down and another comes up.

One of the most painful things you can do is to misjudge the heir apparent, to select a flawed leader. In my own case, that misjudgment was nearly fatal for me personally, but you can't let that stop you from making your legacy a reality. (Be careful not to select a highly directive, overly aggressive person with a low self image, and you should also be very careful to test them for loyalty.)

It is your responsibility as a leader and as a human being to help to guarantee your organization's future , and it will allow you to both comfortably look at yourself in the mirror and to sleep at night.