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We all die. The goal isn’t to live forever; the goal is to create something that will. ~Chuck Palahniuk

I believe I’ve mentioned the idea, before, about how with every interaction we have the opportunity to build or damage trust (earn trust dividends or pay trust taxes, as Stephen MR Covey would say). Well, there are other types of capital for leaders; in addition to trust, there is personal capital (ability, time, and influence) — things you have control over, and corporate capital (brands, product lines, etc…). Every day, and throughout your career, you will have the opportunity to make trade-offs with the various types of capital you have within your control. As we would with our money, we might make a withdrawal of one type of capital in order to invest it in another area, with the expectation of a positive pay-off at some point in the future.

In many ways, your legacy as a leader will be defined by your ability to shift capital from unproductive ventures to more profitable areas.

For an example of this, take a look at Indra Nooyi, chief strategist of PepsiCo, Inc. She was the driving force behind Pepsi’s transition from just being a soft drink company to becoming a more diverse producer and distributor of some healthier fare. Under her direction, the company bought Quaker Oats, which brought Gatorade and Quaker Oatmeal into Pepsi’s portfolio. She also drove the acquisition of Tropicana, which allowed Pepsi to add a well-known fruit juice to the portfolio. Later, she persuaded the company to sell Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and Kentucky Fried Chicken, essentially getting out of the “fast food” (or Quick Serve) industry.

Because of her efforts, only 20% of Pepsi’s sales wee from soft drinks by 2006, compared with 80% for Coca-Cola. Based on her accomplishments, Nooyi became CEO of PepsiCo.

What do you think she said when asked about the legacy she hoped to leave? She wanted Pepsi to be regarded as “both a commercial and moral success — turning profits while combating obesity.”

That’s a tall order, one might say, but it’s clear the woman is not easily discouraged by circumstances and conditions. She has a vision, she has the capital — both personal and corporate — to use at her disposal in crafting the company she dreams of…

Let’s transition now, and look inward. In what area of your life / business do you think you are wasting capital?

What can you do differently to reinvest your resources for a more favorable outcome?

Good morning and Happy Friday! It’s been another fast and busy week. I’ve been working hard to be more focused to ensure my time is spent productively, and not just busily. It’s paying off! I started a big project I’ve been putting off for some time, and took care of a couple of other things that have been on my to-do list for some time. It feels really good, very satisfying.

Monday night, I drove up to the Akron-Canton area and spent some time with several other members of the John Maxwell Team. It’s always great to spend time with these folks — energizing, supportive, encouraging, and like-minded when it comes to growth and development. Taught this week’s Empowerment Mentoring lesson on Attitude on Tuesday. Had a meeting with a woman interested in coaching last night. A good week, a productive week, and I am really tired and looking forward to this weekend!

I have some proposals to work on, some writing to do, preparation for next week’s Empowerment Mentoring lesson on the Terror Barrier (oooh, this one is sooooo powerful!). I am treating myself to a pedicure tomorrow, will get lots of sleep, will spend some time preparing for some trips coming up in a few weeks. O.h, and time on my bike and yoga (have to say, it feels good!).

What about you? What do you have planned for this weekend?

Who will you spend it with?

What do you need to do to set yourself up for success on Monday?

What’s going on in your life in the coming weeks and months that you need to spend some time thinking about and planning for?

However you spend it, make it intentional!

Remember…whatever it is you’re doing, it’s building your legacy!

“See” you on Monday!

Have you asked yourself the question, yet: What do I want to be remembered for? What legacy do I want to lead?

You see, this is like success; unless you can define what success looks like for you, you won’t reach it…So, if you want to leave a certain legacy, you need to go about doing it intentionally.

Here’s an interesting exercise for you; perhaps an uncomfortable one…but I promise, if you are open and actually DO it, it will be most revealing to you!

Write your own obituary, as you would want it to be published when you’re gone.

I’m serious — get started today!

Then, share what you’ve written with someone you trust and respect. Ask them for feedback; if that is how you want to be remembered, are you on track and what do you need to do or stop doing to make it real?

Ask them, “If I did nothing more, and died tomorrow, what would I be remembered for?”

I’d love to hear what you come up with!