Monday 18 July 2016

The Legacy Man

Avoiding the folly of corporate self-aggrandisement

I’ve a new client. Great guy, been around forever, one of the all time great survivors. He’s been through a lot, but always seems to keep on the success-side of the street. Kurt, his name, Scandinavian background, big built, big presence and big, big ideas. I saw him last week in his new role as CEO of a packaging firm and, since I’m trying to get his business to develop some of his key people, he kindly laid out his current strategy.

All was sounding good until he mentioned the “L” word. “I’ve been in business a long time Rudi,” he said, “achieved just about all I ever wanted, but there’s a few things I’ve left to do. I want to retire in
about three years when my contract is over and leave something, behind me, something lasting.” Kurt hesitated or a moment, leaving the word he was about to say unspoken.

I steeled myself, to say it, knowing I’d regret it the instant it popped into my head.

“A legacy, “I ventured, “ almost whispering the word.


“Exactly!”, cried Kurt, jumping up his seat, his blue eyes flashing with passion and obvious, pent-up emotion. “A legacy, that will last for years to come. Something that they’ll always remember me for.”

Oh dear, oh dear, I thought. What have I gone and gotten myself into this time?

You see, I have a thing about this sort of stuff. Attempting to leave a legacy behind you, is not the icing on the cake, but the poison on the pill - it just doesn’t work. It’s tantamount to committing professional suicide. Time after time I’ve seen business leaders, pour thousands of dollars, dinars and dalasis (*) funding chairs of learning (my goodness where would our B-schools be today if not for misguided -or should I say misgifted- CEOs), that they vainly hope will preserve their name long after the pages of corporate history have curled up and faded.

Sadly, there was a dilemma for me. Should I tell Kurt the horrible truth; that trying to leave a legacy will open him to ridicule and worse, as he joins a long list of misguided, swollen-headed leaders? Is it really worth losing a good friend, not to mention his business, just because he’s got a little above himself?

As our eyes met, it took just a nano-second to transmit my look of doubt (was there a small smidgen of disdain in there too?), and I knew that I’d scored. Looking back on it some hours later, I realised that I didn’t actually have to say anything, he knew what I thought. And he was smart enough to know - without missing a beat - that what I thought was exactly the reaction that everyone else would have: the board, the team, the employees the clients, customers the whole kit and caboodle.

The moment was over. He sat back and looked at me, drained his coffee cup, sighed and said, “You know Rudi, being a leader isn’t much fun really, too much to think about, too many responsibilities.”

I nodded eagerly in agreement. “Yes, but a good leader has to know when NOT to do stuff too.” Again our eyes met. I knew that he knew, that he’d made a fool of himself. But he knew I’d saved him from making a massive mistake, a folly of corporate self-aggrandisement that would be difficult to ever live down – just the legacy you DON’T want. My one look of horror, well mixed with disbelief, was sufficient.

We never spoke of it again – not ever. The business school that would have been the recipient of his largesse, went unfunded. No matter. Another poor sap is always only too eager to have a tablet cemented above the door lintel as a tribute to their – and their shareholders - largesse. They don’t do a chair in corporate stupidity yet – maybe they should think of one.

(*) I didn’t make this up, its the national currency of Gambia, but it rhymes nicely !!!




This column on leadership and organizational development is written exclusively for the IEDP by Rudi Plettinx, Managing Director of Management Centre Europe, the Brussels-based development organization. Have a comment or a question? Engage direct with Rudi Plettinx here.

15 comments:

  1. Such a beautiful story for children! But pay attention on online safeness first. On this site you will learn more about it

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for taking the time to discuss about "The Legacy Man", I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. It is extremely helpful for me!!
    How to get a girlfriend over text

    ReplyDelete
  3. Fashion is at all times our top priority when the inquiry of leather jackets emerges. We make best quality leather jackets. Visit to our website Instyle jackets to get the best leather jacket quality.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Have you ever tried FMWhatsapp Apk, which is the Mod version of its original server which is not available on play store but you can use it by clicking here.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Are you looking forward for buying something cool? You should visit our website then where we've got a huge categories of fashionable and trendy jackets such as Gaming character's jackets, Biker jackets, Leather jackets and much more. If you want to buy, simply click on the link. Valentines day Jackets

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for sharing an inspiring and motivating content. Last part was an amazing!! Well, my students always face problems in writing these topics now they must come to me and get https://www.usessaywriter.com/essay-help-online/ with us.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Mysore, CA - MGM Casino | Dr. Maryland
    This casino is the perfect choice for 세종특별자치 출장마사지 your staycation. 천안 출장샵 Mysore, CA has a variety of games from 과천 출장샵 electronic table 서울특별 출장안마 games and 대전광역 출장안마 bingo for your favorite

    ReplyDelete
  8. thanks' foe sharing this beautiful blog keep shining like BAPE Purple Camo Shark Hoodie

    ReplyDelete
  9. My name is Jerry Henry. I'm a student as well. I'm presently looking for the best contract law research paper topics help for my project. As a result, I can complete my assignment more rapidly. But I did see that you had posted. You also mention a blog update for The Legacy Man. This webpage can be beneficial to students. This paper's summary is excellent. I appreciate you bringing his post to our attention.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Such an informative, inspirational and motivational story. You did a great job. Do write more on motivational stories.
    Now it's time to avail taxi milwaukee for more information.

    ReplyDelete
  11. the story is same like my client who are doing work by me on his website of website maintenance.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Amazing, Your blogs are really good and informative. I got a lots of useful information in your blogs. I saw him last week in his new role as CEO of a packaging firm and, since I’m trying to get his business to develop some of his key people, he kindly laid out his current strategy motorcycle accident i 95 virginia. It is very great and useful to all. Keeps sharing more useful blogs...

    ReplyDelete
  13. I appreciate the consistent excellence of your blog. Your dedication to sharing valuable insights and creating engaging content is truly commendable. Your blog has become a reliable and enriching resource for readers seeking knowledge. Looking forward to more insightful posts! Hunterdon County driving without a license lawyer Hunterdon County reckless driving attorney

    ReplyDelete