Even if they might seem similar, the words we choose carry very different intentions and results. Consider the differences between leaving a good legacy and being a good ancestor, for example.
A legacy reflects your contribution to the world in a way that celebrates what you do and who you are. Being a good ancestor means showing up every day behaving in a way that facilitates and improves life for future generations. On the surface, some might think they are the same thing. Upon closer examination, these words reveal distinct motivations, orientations, time horizons, and measures.
Leaving a personal legacy
When we build a personal legacy, our focus is on what we’ve done in the past and what we’re doing in the present to strengthen that legacy. A personal legacy is driven by an individual agenda and rooted in reputation. It might be a desire for a hospital wing or public park named after us. Usually, the goal of a personal legacy is recognition, external attention, and praise. Ultimately, a personal legacy is measured by the things we accomplish and who hears about it!
Being a good ancestor
Being a good ancestor means focusing on others, future generations to come. When we want to be good ancestors, we live with this question:
Will my actions and values lead to better lives for future generations?
The lens through which a good ancestor assesses their actions is the collective good, not individual recognition. Being a good ancestor is about our relationships and the relational link between the present and the future.
Comparing legacy to ancestry
| Leaving a Personal Legacy | Being a Good Ancestor |
|---|---|
| Focus: commemorating things we do | Focus: our relationship with future generations |
| Timeframe: present and past actions | Timeframe: present actions that impact the future |
| Intention: being recognized and remembered | Intention: ensuring our future generations thrive |
| Example: having a hospital wing named after us | Example: preserving our planet for future generations |
I’m fortunate to have a choice of where I can apply my skills and wisdom. As a regenerative leadership consultant, I can choose who I work with. I can help guide how the organization behaves toward future generations and our planet. I’ve chosen to work with leaders whose actions, decisions, and perspectives truly consider the needs of generations to come. These people want their work to improve lives today and tomorrow.
I realize we may not all have these choices. But there are some questions that may help provide a framework based on ancestry. For example:
- Are your organization’s choices and actions helping or hindering future generations’ ability to thrive?
- What are your core values? Are they aligned with being a good ancestor?
- What choices can you make daily to improve the lives of those who’ll come after you?
And finally, who do you feel was a good ancestor?
To me, Jane Goodall was the very definition of a good ancestor. Below is her last message from the Netflix special Famous Last Words. I highly recommend watching whole episode!
