I can honestly say that once I opened A Leader’s Legacy, I did not want to put the book down. And had it not been for the stack of homework I had to attend to, I probably would have read it, right there, cover to cover. It is easy and enjoyable to read, and touches upon things one can easily relate to. After reading part one, the main thing that stuck with me is what is my legacy? What are people going to think of when the name Kelly Ried is brought into conversation?
Every leader wants to be known for something, and this book touches upon how to go about doing so. This has definitely crossed my mind before but I don’t think I fully realized it until reading it; you are going to be remembered not by what you do for yourself, but what you do for others. For some reason I’ve always thought that my legacy wouldn’t come until after graduation, until I’m older and have my career in place. But while reading, I started to think: my legacy can start now. Why wait to start making a difference, why not focus on that now? Each day I can be remembered by one or more people by doing such miniscule kind things. A friendly hello or even holding the door for a stranger will give someone a great impression and positive way to remember me. Not only this, but I want to be a leader and help leave my organization better than it was when I entered. From the reading, I’ve realized there are many small ways I can go about this, and to be a leader doesn’t always mean holding the highest position, it means teaching and helping others.
Only 50 some pages into this book and I already feel as if it’s helped expand my knowledge on leadership. I’m excited to read onward and for the rest of the glad experience as well! I can already tell these next 8 weeks are going to make me not only a better leader, but a better person in general.
Thanks for your post, Kelly! You write as if your legacy is just getting started, but something tells me that you've already started one. Have you thought about what you've already started?
ReplyDeleteSounds like some great revelations already! I couldn't agree with Cindy you definitely already have a legacy within Gamma Phi Beta at the very least. You contributions as a NME assistant and just from what I saw at the recruitment workshop were enough to show you are a strong leader and know other position you could have would change it!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear more from you!
Shelby Bukhenik (Gamma Phi Beta - EH, Chapter Advisor)
I found the book hard to put down as well. I also agree that it's important to build your legacy now and not wait until "someday" when you feel more prepared for one. You're constructing a legacy now whether you realize it or not and the legacy you leave in college will be different than the one you leave after you graduate.
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed that you recognized that leaving a legacy can be made up of everyday "small" things as opposed to something "big". A little bit of kindness goes a long way.
I can't wait to get to know you better through GLAD!