the opportunity to contribute to this book and share what we learned through our work with some of the many global leaders who have passed through the Institute; through intimate engagements with our Premier clients that provide a rare view of the complex and personal struggles leaders face today; through my one-on-one coaching and engagement with executive clients; and our ongoing research into how best to unleash potential for leaders and others who want to become the best possible versions of themselves, in the most meaningful areas of their lives.
And there has never been a more important time to focus on character – not only because leadership dismissals due to ethical lapses are at an all-time high, but because the complexity and stakes are now larger than ever due to the increasing demands, scrutiny, and expectations placed on leaders today. The current COVID-19 pandemic provides a perfect example of the intense moral dilemma faced by business, government, and healthcare leaders throughout the world. But this goes beyond being a business, political, or healthcare issue. It's a moral issue, deeply connected to our families, our jobs, our welfare – with life or death consequences. Leaders have to choose between stakeholder health and well-being and shareholder financial rights … between abiding by mandatory government shut-down of all non-essential businesses to prevent the spread of the virus and honoring civil liberties guaranteed by the Bill of Rights … between saving lives by the enforced closing of businesses and the loss of jobs that force some into bankruptcy and poverty … between who gets prioritized medical attention and access to a life-saving ventilator that is in short supply … and who is left to die. The pandemic descended upon us like a tidal wave with no preparation or playbook. The fast-moving, unpredictable, and deadly virus required swift daily decision-making despite multiple unknowns, no easy answers, and the fact that any and every decision would have painful consequences. While many of us are fortunate to not have been in the position to make some of the heart-wrenching decisions related to the pandemic, we will continually be called upon to make difficult choices in our lives that have an impact on others and the world around us – often in a very profound way. The good news is that we now have the opportunity to develop our own playbook and moral compass so that we are prepared for the inevitable storms and dilemmas that will test, tempt, and challenge us – and lead with character, confidence, and a strong connection to our deepest values. But we must first do the work.
To live a successful life and achieve a meaningful leadership legacy require a deep connection to a purpose focused outside oneself and intentional, ongoing investment in the strengthening of one's character. This book will expose the character vulnerability that lies below the surface in each of us and take you through training exercises designed to strengthen your Character Muscle – or collection of muscles, really – so that vulnerability is vanquished. It will guide you through the most important moments and decisions in your life, critical episodes we may be ill-equipped to manage if we haven't done the character work necessary to meet those moments. Grandiose as it may sound, this book can help you to achieve a personal legacy that will transcend your time on this Earth.
Caren Kenney
Only one kind of leadership can successfully respond to a moral crisis: moral leadership. It's especially in times of crisis that people naturally look to authority for truthful answers, wise guidance, courageous action, and hope.
– Dov Seidman, author of How
Introduction
Somehow, against all odds, you were born. You were granted the gift of life. The actual probability of your being born is beyond comprehension. Regardless of the jaw-dropping unlikelihood, you made the cut and won the lottery we call life. You are here.
So why you? You had no hand in making it happen. Through no effort of yours, you simply appeared. What have you done with this gift?
Three facts are immutable: You were born. You will die. And between your birth and death is the opportunity for impact.
What is your impact so far? What has happened, for better or worse, because you are here? Have you represented yourself well? Have you proven worthy of the sacred gift?
To help answer such questions, fast-forward to just beyond the end of your life. Even though you have passed away, let's imagine you get to witness a very special happening: your own memorial service. But this service is different in a couple of ways (aside from the most obvious – that you're able to witness it): For one, all of your loved ones and meaningful connections are there, even those who pre-deceased you – family members including parents and grandparents; friends from childhood through old age; coworkers and those above and below you from all your professional endeavors; mentors and mentees; classmates, neighbors, teammates, military brothers and sisters, fellow congregants, local merchants – in short, anyone whose life was touched by yours. And this service is unlike most in another way: Everyone there has been summoned to tell their absolute truth about you. That's not to say that people at non-imaginary funerals don't tell the truth … but let's face it: Some of them don't. They tend to gloss over the not-so-good stuff. And people who might not have glowing things to say about the deceased are often not in attendance.
In the case of this special service that you get to witness, even those who were not so fond of you will be in attendance and invited to speak. Everyone is gathered there to express, with complete frankness, what impact your life had on theirs: what happened to them because of you.
As the attendees reflect, one by one, it becomes clear to you that, despite the fact you are no longer physically present, you endure in their lives in a quite tangible way.
This is your legacy.
Legacy is the trace you leave. Every life leaves a trace, a trace that may exist for generations. Your legacy is the sum total of the impact your life made on the lives of others – and, in many ways, the trace that their life makes on others.
To best comprehend your impact, you listen very carefully to what each person at your funeral says about you. (After all, you're dead, so it's not as if you have something else to do.)
You listen as your mother and father describe what happened to each of them because of you. What was the net effect of your life on theirs?
Next to speak is your partner, spouse, or significant other. What was your impact on and contribution to that relationship? Did he or she feel truly loved and valued? Did he or she get your best energy when you came home at the end of the day, and your full attention when you were together?
If you have children, what is each son or daughter saying as they describe how your influence exists in them, for better or worse? What are they saying about how your life impacted who they are now and what they have become? Are they expressing the belief they are better human beings because of you? What part of your legacy's impact on them are you not proud of? Makes you wince? Makes you sad? Makes you smile or tear up with joy or burst with pride?
Next up: your friends. What do they begin with? Were you always there for them? Did you show compassion for them, and step up and lend a hand when life turned against them? Did you do that all the time or only some of the time? Did you do it only when it was convenient for you or always when it mattered to them? Were you loyal? As they talk, what are the traits that they share that seem to repeat, from one friend to the next to the next? Are the memories they share the ones you would have guessed?
Last to speak are all those associated with your life at work. It's a big lineup. Bosses, clients, direct reports, co-workers, assistants, support staff, and so on. Even valets, janitors, and security will be asked to remember. Each one will describe your impact on them individually, how you treated them in good times and bad, even when you were stressed, tired, or unhappy. Listen as they speak about your respectfulness,
