Leaving a Legacy

Leaving a Legacy

I read an article recently  about the history of the High Five.  It’s a great article- with an awesome lesson about leadership tucked inside.

The story of the High Five is apparently a bit unclear.  There are two men who both have a legitimate claim to its origin; Glen Burke of the LA Dodgers and Wiley Brown of the University of Louisville Basketball team.  You can read the article yourself to decide who you think was the first to take it “up top.”  But what caught my attention was that for both of these men, the idea of having contributed something great to the culture was worth more than ever getting credit.

Don’t get me wrong- they both were quite proud of their contribution.  Brown was credited with saying that along with getting his degree, marrying his wife, and raising his kids- it was one of his proudest accomplishments.  And Burke graciously took credit whenever it was given.  But neither ever claimed it their crowning glory.  They didn’t seek out reporters or write their autobiography on the subject.  They didn’t have it printed on their business cards.   They didn’t take to the lecture circuit with a 7 point program on how to “High Five” your life (it would have started as a 5 point program, but grown in the “revised” edition).  In fact, the article gives the impression that they were just pleased to have created something that made the world happy and gave everyone a way to celebrate.

In a culture that seeks out scores of followers to listen to every little twit thought that pops in our heads or writes books devoted to our own face, it can be hard to see the simple joy of contribution without recognition.  But that’s the type of greatness that stands the test of time.  When Seth Godin talks about being a Linchpin, this is what he means.  Doing something amazing for the sake of amazing.  Taking pride and joy in the contribution, if not the credit.  Making art and giving it away because of its value beyond dollars.  It’s what we need more of- not just in business but in the world.

So the next time you have a big idea that can change everything and make your world a better place- don’t hold on until you find a way to monetize it.  Don’t put it in a safe until you find a way to get all the credit.  Don’t hold back because you are trying to protect your Legacy. Lay it out for everyone, take joy in the improvement, and be satisfied with nothing more than a High Five in return.